Deluzio Introduces Bill to Help Local Water Authorities Strengthen Cybersecurity Efforts

CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced the introduction of his new bill, the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act. This bill doubles the amount of funding available in certain grants and technical assistance to local water authorities to strengthen cybersecurity efforts. 

Congressman Deluzio introduced this measure, after consultation with experts and committee staff, following an Iranian-based hack on the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa on November 24, 2023. On that day, one of the authority’s water pressure technologies suddenly shut down, and the screen displayed a message stating that a group called “Cyber Av3ngers” had hacked the system and were targeting Israeli-made technology. The authority immediately shut down its automated system and resumed operations manually, adding that it was able to maintain service without interruption to the City of Aliquippa and nearby Beaver County townships of Raccoon, Potter, and Hopewell. 

“Any attack on our nation’s critical infrastructure is unacceptable, and the hack on the water authority in Aliquippa was a wake-up call,” said Congressman Deluzio. “We need to make sure our local water authorities have the resources and training they need to defend against increasingly hostile cyber threats. Residents should be able to trust that their drinking water is safe from attacks by nation-state adversaries and terrorist organizations, and I am proud to introduce the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act to help shore up the security of our water systems.”  

Following the hack, Congressman Deluzio previously called for the Department of Justice to investigate the cyberattack. He also urged the relevant House Committee to support stronger cyber defenses for America’s water sector. 

This legislation would renew the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program through 2027 and provide grants to owners and operators of community water systems based on community size. The bill authorizes $50 million each fiscal year (2026 and 2027) 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. The proposal will now be considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

###