H.R. 2344: Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act

This bill, titled the Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act, aims to enhance the preparedness and resilience of drinking water and wastewater systems in response to various threats, including cyber threats and natural hazards. Below are the main components of what the bill intends to accomplish:

Program Establishment

The bill mandates the establishment of a program by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within one year of enactment. The main objectives of this program include:

• Participation Support: Encouraging and facilitating the participation of community water systems and treatment works in the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Water ISAC).
• Cost Offset: Providing financial assistance to community water systems and treatment works to cover costs associated with maintaining or initiating membership in Water ISAC.
• Data Collaboration: Expanding coordination between the EPA and Water ISAC to enhance data collection and analysis concerning threats to the water sector.
• Resource Enhancement: Improving tools, resources, and materials available at Water ISAC for monitoring the water sector and enhancing the capability of community water systems and publicly owned treatment works to deal with malicious acts or natural hazards.

Definitions

Key terms are defined to clarify the bill's scope:

• Community Water System: Defined in accordance with existing laws as systems providing water for human consumption.
• Natural Hazard: Events like floods or earthquakes that can impact water systems.
• Treatment Works: Facilities used for the treatment of wastewater.
• Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center: An organization focused on the analysis and sharing of information related to threats against water systems.

Funding Provisions

The bill authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the initiatives outlined in the bill. These funds are intended to remain available until fully expended.

Overall Objective

The overarching aim of the Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act is to bolster the defenses of water systems against both cyber threats and natural disasters, ensuring they are better prepared to manage and respond to potential risks that could compromise public health and safety.

Relevant Companies

None found