EPA Shares Tools to Strengthen Cyber Security

December 7, 2025

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a planning toolkit that water utilities can use to prevent and respond to cyber incidents. 

 

Cyberattacks are a threat to national security and a water utility's ability to provide water. These tools offer help to public water systems that need protect themselves and aid in risk and emergency planning. 

 

The EPA tools include:

  • Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Guide: This updated plan describes strategies and procedures utilities can use to prepare for and respond to any incident, whether natural or man-made.
  • Incident Response Template: This new template assists systems with developing a specific Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (CIRP).
  • Incident Action Checklists: These new checklists help drinking water utilities prepare for, respond to, and recover from specific emergencies like floods, power outages, and cyber incidents.
  • Cybersecurity Procurement Checklist: This tool helps utilities incorporate cybersecurity into purchasing, enabling them to assess the practices of vendors and their products.

 

Access to the EPA’s water cybersecurity tools here.

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shaina

Shaina Shay is an accomplished water professional with over a decade of experience in water policy, management, conservation, and community outreach. Her passion for pragmatic information sharing drives her work across the U.S. and Australia, where she has held roles with investor-owned utilities and as a senior water market specialist. Shaina's commitment to the field is reflected in her leadership positions within the American Water Works Association (AWWA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Southern Arizona Water Users Association (SAWUA).