"Federal Cyber Mandate Looms For Local Water Systems"

"EPA is set to unveil a new federal mandate requiring states to expand inspections of about 1,600 water systems to include cybersecurity threats, according to a senior administration official.

The official, who asked to remain anonymous in order to speak candidly, said EPA is not issuing a new rule but instead will release a so-called implementation memo based on the agency’s existing authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Ultimately, states already responsible for inspecting everything from tanks to pumps and operations at hundreds of public water systems across the nation would also be responsible for ensuring utilities are protected against hackers."

Hannah Northey and Christian Vasquez report for E&E News August 30, 2022.