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US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns of increasing cyberattacks on #water systems | AP News Preventing attacks against water providers is part of the Biden administration’s broader effort to combat threats against critical infrastructure. In February, President Biden signed an executive order to protect U.S. ports. Healthcare systems have been attacked. The White House has also pushed #electric #utilities to increase their defenses. EPA Administrator Michael Regan and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan have asked states to devise a plan to combat cyberattacks on drinking water systems. Utility leaders should look at Salesforce Energy & Utilities and Public Sector Clouds to see how they can help. https://lnkd.in/gprCqSz6

A lot of water utilities are exposed and vulnerable. Some know about it and are working to secure their systems. Others don't know it, and don't know that they don't know it. How is your water utility doing? If you're a water utility customer, call them and ask. If you work for a water utility, advocate for securing your systems. https://lnkd.in/gCy7qi8T

Restoring water sources provides safety and security that feels good. In a time of news that can make us feel like we are lost, this progress is motivating. https://lnkd.in/gu95GiKh

Protecting our environment is not just about today; it's about safeguarding our future for generations to come.

$191 million in funding is now available to support mitigation projects nationwide! FEMA announced the significant funding opportunity, authorized through the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, to bolster resilience across 35 states, the District of Columbia, and one Tribal Nation. This funding is part of FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant program and complements other Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs designed to help communities strengthen their infrastructure against severe weather events. Eligible communities must submit their applications by June 28. Funding will be disbursed upon meeting all program criteria, including Environmental and Historic Preservation requirements. Learn more here about the funding opportunity: https://zurl.co/7ZlW #Resilience #HazardMitigation

This is an interesting article summarizing the new rules and violation penalties for heavy #water users planning to locate in #Phoenix on a going forward basis. 

📢 REGULATORY UPDATE: They're heeeere! After much anticipation, NJDEP's REAL Rule Proposal, which significantly modifies NJ's Land Use Rules, were published in yesterday's NJ Register. The regulations affected include: *Coastal Zone Management (CZM) rules, N.J.A.C. 7:7 *Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act (FWPA) rules, N.J.A.C. 7:7A *Flood Hazard Area Control Act (FHACA) rules, N.J.A.C. 7:13, and *Stormwater Management (SWM) rules, N.J.A.C. 7:8

Discover how cities are tackling water infrastructure challenges and environmental protection head-on. Learn about key resources highlighted at the National League of Cities' Congressional City Conference, including funding for cybersecurity for water systems and wildfire protection. Click here to learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02w_lVF0 #FederalFunding #CommunityDevelopment #DisasterPreparedness #EnvironmentalProtection #WaterInfrastructure #LocalGovernment #Municipalities

🌊💧 Protecting Our Water: Source Protection Plans 💧🌊 The Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan is the shield against significant threats to our water sources. It contains policies that not only manage existing threats but also prevent new ones from arising. Landowners with activities deemed "significant threats" must adhere to these policies, ensuring a collective effort to keep our water safe. The policies use tools to reduce threats to drinking water that range from voluntary action to prohibition of an activity. The Plan is guided by a committee made up of members of the general public and representatives of municipalities, aggregate/ oil and gas, industry, agriculture, and First Nations from across the region. The Conservation Authorities provide administrative and technical support to the Committee. Find the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan here and learn about the policies that are helping sources of our drinking water stay clean within the Thames-Sydenham and Region: https://lnkd.in/gWYZpYbR #SourceProtection #CleanWaterAct #SourceON #SourceWater

Investigation into Social Media Rumors Impacting Jackson’s Water Crisis: Jackson, Mississippi, faced a water outage crisis as a cold snap hit, affecting nearly a quarter of the city’s 52,000 water customers. Law enforcement agencies are investigating if social media rumors about a potential water shutdown led residents to fill bathtubs rapidly, causing a sudden demand spike and subsequent water pressure drop. JXN Water, the private corporation running Jackson’s water system under federal order, pointed to a ‘deliberate misinformation campaign’ as a partial cause. A specific social media post urging Jackson residents to store water was identified, but its origin remains untraced. The post read, ‘Just got word they are about to shut off water in Jackson. If you’re in Jackson, fill up your tubs and jugs! Get prepared for not having water.’ This misinformation coincided with Jackson’s vulnerability to infrastructure strain due to freezing temperatures. U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, overseeing federal intervention in improving Jackson’s water system, authorized releasing information about the investigation. Ameerah Palacios, a JXN Water spokesperson, highlighted Wingate’s involvement and the participation of multiple law enforcement agencies. Jackson’s water woes are not new, with past cold snaps causing similar issues. Maintenance efforts have restored water to most customers, but the incident raises questions about the impact of social media on public infrastructure and crisis response. Bob Hickingbottom, a local political figure, acknowledged sharing the water storage post on his Facebook page, believing it was helpful information, though he initially denied posting it. This water service disruption follows a recent health advisory related to E. coli contamination in Jackson’s water supply, which was quickly lifted, adding to the ongoing challenges faced by the city’s water system management. #Technology #Liability #Legislation #Regulation #RiskManagement