The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) to launch a one-year program study to enhance cybersecurity for rural water systems. The Oregon Association of Water Utilities and Vermont Rural Water Association will help NRWA administer the one-year study. Additionally, USDA is expanding its Circuit Rider Program, which provides technical assistance to rural water systems, to include more resources and personnel who are specifically trained to assess and improve cybersecurity capabilities at water systems in rural areas.

This initiative recognizes the increasing threat of cyberattacks, particularly to these systems which often lack the resources and technical capacity to combat such risks. The planned activities include assessing the current cybersecurity landscape of rural water systems, developing a blueprint for ongoing support, and training existing circuit riders across the U.S. on cybersecurity issues. For more information, visit USDA or Industrial Cyber.