Water Districts are a vital part of our critical infrastructure, providing essential services to communities. Increasingly, they are at risk of security challenges that disrupt operations. WCCTV explores these threats and how to safeguard against them.
Water Districts play a critical role in serving our communities and providing essential utility services, yet they face increasing security concerns that threaten to disrupt their crucial operation.
These threats come in the form of physical security challenges such as theft and vandalism but also include coordinated cyber security threats and acts of terrorism.
Securing critical infrastructure is essential in preventing harmful disruption, reducing losses, and protecting our communities. As always, understanding the risks is the first step in any security plan.
Below, we outline the key security challenges facing water districts and the best ways to mitigate them.
What is a Water District?
Water Districts are responsible for delivering safe, reliable, and clean water services to communities across the USA.
According to the latest figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are over 148,000 public water systems, with approximately 52,000 of these classified as Community Water Systems (CWS) that supply water year-round.
The operations of a Water District include providing drinking water, wastewater treatment, and water resource management, ensuring millions of Americans have access to one of the vital foundations of a healthy life.
Despite their critical nature, or even because of it, they are a target for criminal activity ranging from opportunist theft to major cyberattacks - all of which jeopardize operations.
What Are the Top 5 Security Challenges Affecting Water Districts?
Copper Theft
The theft of copper remains an ongoing challenge for several industries, with the metal remaining a highly valuable commodity.
This issue is particularly prevalent in Water Districts at remote pump stations, treatment plants, and storage facilities where copper wire is targeted and stripped for resale at a profit.
This crime has multiple ramifications for Water Districts, including:
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Disruption of services due to damaged infrastructure
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Costs associated with repair and replacement
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An increased vulnerability to repeat attacks
There are many examples of this crime impacting water districts, including in Lincoln County, NC, where thieves stole over 1,100ft of copper wiring valued at $14,000 from a wastewater treatment plant.
Despite the facility having fixed security cameras, the thieves were able to avoid capture due to the cameras being passive, record-only cameras without live monitoring services.
Vandalism and Sabotage
Acts of both random vandalism and targeted sabotage pose a significant risk to Water Districts.
Such instances can lead major issues, including:
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Contaminated water supply
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Expensive clean-up and repairs
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Downtime while issues are rectified
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Public safety concerns that damage community trust
While it may seem counter-intuitive that anybody would damage the water supply that they, too, rely on, again, there are many examples of this occurring across the US.
For example, in Horizon City, TX, vandals damaged seven valve boxes,and Lower Valley Water District reported that the vandalism led to significant service disruptions for the affected community, including leaving residents without water.
Natural Disasters
Water Districts can be particularly exposed and impacted by natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornados.
These events can:
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Cause structural damage to critical infrastructure, including water treatment facilities
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Leave communities without water
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Incur high costs and resource requirements to repair
This was the case when Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida in 2022, with several Water Districts experiencing flooding that damaged pipelines and a major treatment facility, leaving residents without water for days.
Security Gaps at Remote Sites
Many water districts operate in remote locations, such as pump stations and reservoirs, which are often unprotected due to their isolated nature and vast perimeters.
These sites can be particularly impacted by:
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Unauthorized access and trespassing
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Theft of highly valuable materials and equipment
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Delayed response times in the event of an incident.
A recent example of this threat occurred in Valley Center, CA, where high metal prices spurred a crime spree where thieves stole water meters and backflow devices from multiple locations.
Cybersecurity Threats
As critical infrastructure facilities increasingly adopt sophisticated software to manage operations, they become exposed to coordinated cyber attacks from multiple bad actors.
Cybercriminals and hackers have several motivations for targeting Water Districts, including:
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Deploying ransomware for financial gain
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Deploying malware to disrupt operations
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Gaining access to sensitive data
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Creating public safety risks by manipulating water quality or dispersion
In one of the most serious examples of this threat, a 2021 cyberattack on a water treatment plant in Oldsmar, Florida, allowed hackers to remotely increase the levels of sodium hydroxide in the water supply to dangerous levels.
Fortunately, the attack was quickly detected and neutralized before any harm was caused to the public.
Addressing Security Challenges at Water Districts
Increasing security across Water Districts requires a layered approach that leverages technology, processes, and people.
Some of the comprehensive measure that can be utilized by water districts include:
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Mobile Video Surveillance Units: Mobile video surveillance units often operate autonomously, harnessing solar power and cellular video transmission. They can be deployed to practically any location, providing highly visible theft deterrence and proactive surveillance.
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Perimeter Protection: Fencing, motion sensors, and security cameras can all help fortify the perimeter of treatment facilities and areas where high value machinery and materials are present.
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Emergency Response Plans: Robust protocols must be developed to help respond quickly and effectively to minimize the impact of natural disasters.
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Cybersecurity Measures: Firewalls, encryption, regular system updates, and ongoing cybersecurity training or all staff will help protect digital infrastructure.
Summary
Water districts face a wide range of security challenges that can significantly impact on communities, but these threats can be manageable with the right strategies.
By prioritizing proactive security measures and utilizing a blend of technology solutions, water districts can safeguard their infrastructure, ensure uninterrupted service, and protect their communities.
Ready to Secure Your Water District? Contact WCCTV today to learn how our mobile surveillance units and comprehensive solutions can help you address these challenges effectively.
