Cybersecurity Policy Report, Effort to Help Water Utilities Battle Hackers Unveiled in Texas, (Aug 31, 2026)
An effort to give water utilities more cybersecurity resources from the federal government and private sector was unveiled today in Texas by Gov. Greg Abbott (R.) and White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross.
Project Watershed 250 is “a joint effort that connects Texas water utility providers with cyber defense resources at no cost. Project Watershed 250 will pair federal and private-sector capabilities with state and local expertise to protect water systems and other critical infrastructure,” the governor’s office said in a news release.
“Texas is the state leader in the United States in cyber warfare,” Gov. Abbott said. “Project Watershed 250 will connect water utility providers with cyber defense resources at no cost by leveraging the experience of private sector businesses with the expertise of the Texas Cyber Command. Our communities and water systems will be better secured from the onslaught of cyber-attacks.”
Mr. Cairncross signaled earlier this year that the White House cyber strategy envisioned the establishment of pilot projects within states to help critical infrastructure operators improve their cyber defenses (CPR, March 9).
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