A 2025 study found that 62% of water utilities and electricity operators in the U.S. and U.K. were targeted by cyberattacks in the previous year, and 80% of those organizations experienced multiple attacks. Half of those (54%) suffered permanent destruction or corruption of data and systems.
Water utilities and other critical infrastructure are essential for public health and national security, so it’s no question why they are being targeted by attackers. However, many water utilities struggle with limited resources and cybersecurity expertise, making it difficult to defend against sophisticated cyberattacks. As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, water utilities must continuously strengthen their cybersecurity defenses to keep pace with evolving threats.
In today’s blog, we’ll discuss why water utilities need proper IT and cybersecurity more than ever by explaining the risks and consequences of poor municipal cybersecurity.
Why Water Utilities Have Become a Prime Target for Cybercriminals
Water utilities have become increasingly attractive targets because they provide services that communities depend on every day. A successful attack can disrupt operations, impact public trust, and potentially affect public health.
According to the EPA, cyber threats against drinking water and wastewater systems have increased as utilities adopt more connected technologies and remote access capabilities. At the same time, many organizations face staffing and budget constraints that make it difficult to maintain strong cybersecurity programs.
A few reasons water utilities are frequently targeted include:
- They are considered critical infrastructure.
- Operational disruptions can have widespread consequences.
- Increased connectivity creates more attack surfaces.
- Many organizations operate with limited cybersecurity resources.
These challenges have created an environment where cybercriminals see water utilities as high-value targets. As a result, organizations must understand the specific threats that can impact their daily operations and water treatment processes.
Photo by HelpNet Security
Cybersecurity Risks That Impact Water Treatment Operations
Cyberattacks on water utilities and water treatment plants come in many different shapes and sizes that can severely disrupt operational integrity and public safety.
These risks are not theoretical. In 2021, an attacker gained unauthorized access to the water treatment system in Oldsmar, Florida, and attempted to increase sodium hydroxide levels in the water supply. While safeguards prevented harm, the incident highlighted how cyber vulnerabilities can have real-world consequences for water utilities and the communities they serve.
The most common risks we see that pose the greatest concern for water utilities are:
Ransomware Attacks
Federal agencies including CISA, the FBI, and the EPA have repeatedly warned that ransomware groups continue to target critical infrastructure organizations. A successful ransomware attack can lock employees out of critical systems, disrupt operations, and require extensive recovery efforts.
Legacy Systems
Many water utilities rely on aging infrastructure that was not designed to withstand today’s cyber threats. Unsupported software and delayed patching can create vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.
Third-Party Access
Contractors and vendors often require access to utility networks and systems. Without proper security controls, these connections can become entry points for cybercriminals.
Operational Technology (OT) Vulnerabilities
Water treatment facilities depend on SCADA and OT systems to monitor and control essential processes. If compromised, attackers may be able to disrupt operations or interfere with critical functions.
While these risks vary in complexity and impact, they all have the potential to affect the reliability and security of water treatment operations. When these vulnerabilities are not addressed, the consequences can be costly for both utilities and the communities they serve.
The Consequences of Poor Municipal Cybersecurity
Poor municipal cybersecurity can create challenges that extend far beyond IT disruptions. For water utilities, a cyber incident can impact operations, finances, compliance efforts, and public confidence.
Potential consequences of poor water utilities cybersecurity include:
- Service disruptions that affect residents and businesses
- Costly recovery and remediation efforts
- Regulatory scrutiny and compliance concerns
- Damage to public trust and reputation
- Risks to water treatment operations and public safety
The consequences can be significant. According to the 2025 study referenced earlier, 54% of organizations that experienced cyberattacks reported permanent destruction or corruption of data and systems. For water utilities, the stakes are even higher because uninterrupted service is critical to community well-being.
But beyond the immediate financial and operational impacts, cyber incidents can create long-term challenges for utility leaders. Recovery efforts often require significant time and resources, while service disruptions can place additional pressure on staff, stakeholders, and the communities that depend on reliable water services.
Given these risks, cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as a reactive function. Instead, municipal cybersecurity must focus on building resilience before an incident occurs.
Building Long-Term Resilience for Water Utilities
Protecting water utilities requires a proactive approach that combines technology, processes, and employee awareness. While no organization can eliminate cyber risk entirely, strong cybersecurity practices can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of an attack.
Key steps include:
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Segmenting IT and operational technology networks
- Conducting regular vulnerability assessments
- Providing ongoing security awareness training
- Maintaining secure backups and disaster recovery plans
- Developing and testing incident response procedures
Reliable water services depend on more than pumps, pipes, and treatment facilities. They also depend on secure and resilient technology systems.
However, many water utilities face limited budgets, staffing shortages, and increasing cybersecurity demands. Building and maintaining an in-house team with the expertise needed to manage today’s threats can be difficult and costly, especially as attacks become more frequent and sophisticated.
That’s why many organizations choose to partner with an MSP or MSSP. Doing so provides access to experienced ITand cybersecurity professionals, advanced security tools, and continuous monitoring without the expense of hiring and retaining a large internal team.
Waiting until after a cyber incident to identify vulnerabilities can lead to costly disruptions, lengthy recovery efforts, and avoidable risk. Working with the right cybersecurity partner helps organizations stay ahead of threats, strengthen resilience, and address security gaps before they become operational problems.
The question isn’t whether cyber threats will continue targeting water utilities. It’s whether your organization is prepared when they do.
