Deluzio, Finstad Reintroduce ‘Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act’ Following Recent Hacks on Water Systems Across America

CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Congressman Brad Finstad (R-MN-01) announced the reintroduction of the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act. This now bipartisan bill doubles the amount of funding available in certain grants and technical assistance to local water authorities to strengthen cybersecurity efforts. 

Congressman Deluzio first introduced the bill in December 2024 following an Iranian-based hack of the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa on November 24, 2023 that suddenly shut down water pressure technologies. Congressman Deluzio led a call for a Department of Justice investigation into the incident. 

Since then, hackers have launched cyberattacks on water systems across the country. So far in the summer of 2026, at least 12 states have reported possible cyberattacks to their water systems—with some experiencing flooding and reduced water pressure or going offline completely. At least 100 municipalities have reported potential hacking efforts to their water systems. U.S. intelligence again suggests that Iranian hackers are to blame.

“Any attack on our nation’s critical infrastructure is unacceptable, and the 2023 Iranian hack in Western Pennsylvania should have been a major wake-up call for our federal government,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Especially while the Iran War continues, we need to make sure our local water authorities have the resources and training they need to defend against cyber threats from the Iranians and others. Residents should be able to trust that their drinking water is safe from attacks. I am proud to reintroduce the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act to help local leaders better secure our water system.”

“We have seen far too many instances of cybersecurity threats to our critical water systems,” said Rep. Finstad. “Just this summer, Minnesota experienced over 30 cyberattacks targeting operational technologies that our communities rely on. I am proud to join Congressman Deluzio in introducing this important, bipartisan legislation that will help ensure our local water authorities have the proper capabilities to respond to threats from foreign adversaries."

This legislation would renew the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program through 2029 and provide grants to owners and operators of community water systems based on community size. The bill authorizes $50 million each fiscal year to assist local water authorities plan, design, and implement programs for emergency responses. Key among these is improvements for automated and remote systems, and training programs for security and resilience.

The full text of the bill is available here. 

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