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Newsletter #151 for August 2026 |
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CISA Warns Water Systems of Increased PLC Cyberattacks |
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The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is warning water and wastewater utilities about a significant rise in cyberattacks targeting internet-exposed programmable logic controllers (PLCs). According to CISA, threat actors have been changing PLC passwords to lock out operators and altering IP addresses to disconnect equipment, leading to operational disruptions, boil water notices, and extended periods of manual system operation.
CISA notes that utilities of all sizes are being targeted, including organizations with mature cybersecurity programs. The agency cautions that undocumented remote connections, such as cellular modems installed by vendors or integrators, may create hidden vulnerabilities.
To reduce risk, CISA recommends immediately removing PLCs and other operational technology (OT) assets from direct internet exposure, enabling strong password protection, replacing default credentials, restricting remote access to approved devices, and maintaining clean backup images of PLC configurations.
Water utilities are encouraged to review their OT network exposure and cybersecurity practices and to report any suspected incidents to CISA or the FBI.
To report a cyber incident, contact CISA’s 24/7 Operations Center (contact@cisa.dhs.gov), or call 1-844-Say-CISA (1-844-729-2472). Please see Reporting a Cyber Incident for more details or contact FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local FBI field office.
When available, include the following information regarding the incident:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Type of activity
- Number of people affected
- Type of equipment used for the activity
- Name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated point of contact
For any additional support, contact the Environmental Protection Agency’s Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Program for the Water Sector or your CISA Regional Office.
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What we know about the cyberattacks on water systems in 7 states |
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"According to the FBI, at least seven states have now been targeted in a growing wave of cyberattacks on critical water infrastructure across the country. Federal officials now reportedly believe Iran is the likely culprit. Liz Landers discussed more with Cynthia Kaiser, a former deputy assistant director of the FBI’s cyber division currently at Halcyon."
Read the full transcript of this interview on PBS News.
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Tribal Water Rights Deal Stalled
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"The largest tribal water rights settlement in U.S. history is at a stalemate. The Northeastern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act, if approved by Congress, would provide much-needed water for the Navajo Nation, as well as the Hopi and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes. A provision with the deal has received pushback from some negotiators at the table, questioning whether the Navajo Nation should be allowed to lease some of its water to nearby cities outside of its reservation. KUNM Reporter Jeanette DeDios speaks with Heather Tanana, an assistant law professor at the University of Denver, about the settlement's many details and discusses how life-changing this deal would be if it went through."
Read more: Largest tribal water rights settlement in U.S. history stalls due to four states
Find more videos like this on New Mexico in Focus' YouTube channel. |
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AWWA Scholarship Program Applications Are Open! |
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Applications for all 2027-2028 scholarships are now open through November 6, 2026.
The Water Equation Scholarships program supports students and operators at the beginning of their work in water. Scholarships are available through AWWA, corporate partners, and the Water Operator Continuing Education Fund.
The Water Operator Continuing Education Fund supports non-traditional education programs, including trade schools, certification programs, and community college coursework for water operators.
- Applications are accepted on a monthly basis throughout the year.
- All applications are reviewed by a committee of water sector professionals.
- Awards are made on a rolling basis throughout the year.
- Award amount varies by program and course.
- To finalize your application, you will need to enter the code WOE.
The Water Operator Continuing Education Fund does not fund scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programs. To apply for academic scholarships, visit the Water Equation Scholarships webpage. Water Equation offers 23 merit-based science, technology, engineering, and match academic scholarships for higher degrees.
For questions about specific program eligibility, contact Margo Hatton (mhatton@awwa.org), CFRE – Senior Manager Development and Donor Relations.
Learn about more continuing education opportunities and section specific scholarships available through your local AWWA section.
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Tap Talk Episode 68
How the Be Well Informed Tool Educates Well Owners
In Tap Talk’s 68th episode, Steve and Jennifer chat with Kurt Rakouskas — a project manager at the Environmental Council of the States — about the organization’s cross-disciplinary work and its stewardship of the Be Well Informed tool. This free tool helps well users understand the results of water tests performed on their wells by translating the scientific and technical notation into plain language. This helps make clear if there is a problem indicated by the results, what the risks of any present contaminants are, and what the next steps should be for the well owner.
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Missed our last webinar? Watch the recording! |
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This webinar, recorded in July 2026, provides a practical overview of communication strategies wastewater utilities can use to support compliance and build public trust. Participants will explore common communication challenges faced by utilities and learn about publicly available resources for improving public communication, notification, and engagement. This recording also includes a demonstration of our free search tools at WaterOperator.org to find additional free resources and training events.
This webinar is part of a series that covers topics relevant to wastewater operators, including funding, asset management, compliance, and water quality.
For informational purposes only. We are unable to offer certificates for watching a video recording.
Recordings of our previous webinars:
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Featured Events for Tribal Water Systems |
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Connecting Water Conservation and Resource Management
August 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM MT
American Water Works Association, Indian Health Service
Modeled after two successful Arizona Water Chapter workshops hosted in Arizona, this free webinar provides an opportunity for professionals focused on either water resource management or conservation and demand management. The event will examine shared touchpoints and clarify what each discipline needs to work effectively together.
Attendees will learn how utility-level water conservation programs interface with broader water resource management objectives, while addressing common misalignments between these areas. Participants will analyze structural disconnects, examine integration points across planning horizons, and gain methodologies and collaborative practices that strengthen institutional capacity to support long-term water sustainability. |
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Financial Management and Asset Management Training
August 26, 2026 | Hotevilla-Bacavi, AZ
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
This free training on Financial Management/Asset Management will provide the Hopi Tribe’s community services administrators, village managers, administrative staff, and water operators with valuable insight into strategically planning, organizing and directing a tribal water system’s financial resources to ensure long-term financial stability. In addition, asset management is a critical function of a water system, as it provides a systematic way to track all of the water system’s assets and resources while operating efficiently and minimizing costs. |
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Advancing PFAS Removal From Pilot to Plant
September 3, 2026 | 11:00 AM MT
American Water Works Association, Indian Health Service
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to present major technical, regulatory, and operational challenges for drinking water systems across the United States. With the U.S. EPA’s 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) establishing stringent new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA, PFOS, and a Hazard Index requirement for PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA, utilities are now preparing for full compliance by 2029–2031.
This free webinar introduces an innovative treatment technology designed specifically to help water utilities achieve these goals reliably, sustainably, and at lower lifecycle cost than traditional PFAS removal methods. The presentation will explore how this new innovative technology integrates high-capacity micro-sorbent adsorption with an advanced ceramic separator.
Real pilot data (from surface water, groundwater, and mixed-source systems) will demonstrate system performance, sorbent loading characteristics, operational stability, and how ceramic microfiltration provides added benefits such as solids removal, pathogen barrier protection, and zero-waste operation. |
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Pumps & Pumping Systems for Operators
September 15, 2026 | Temecula, CA
Indian Health Service
This free course was designed as the follow-up course to "Electrical Controls for Utility Operators" and will provide hands-on training in pumps and pumping system operation and repair. Participants will reinforce and build skills in pump components and troubleshooting techniques while using actual pumping equipment.
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Recent Blog Posts at WaterOperator.org |
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Lagoon Wastewater Systems Practical Tools and Resources for Compliance
Read Here » |
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Energy Optimization and Cost‑Saving Strategies for Wastewater Utilities
Read Here »
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Groundwater & Well Care for Public Water Systems is a free online course from WaterOperator.org. Certificates are provided and the course is currently pre-approved for 2 hours continuing education credit in a number of states.
Click here to learn more. |
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WaterOperator.org is a free service, grant-funded to support small community water and wastewater operators with comprehensive resources and information in one easy-to-use place. We also serve the 800+ training, primacy, and technical service organizations, by helping operators get to their information. We aren't selling or advertising anything. Call us at 1-866-522-2681 for assistance. |
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Visit our other websites: |
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