NOAA recently reported that July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 76.9 degrees Fahrenheit, 3.3 degrees above the 20th-century average. NOAA’s records began in 1895. Aside from higher electric bills, soaring temperatures present challenges to water supplies that serve us all.

Recent cyberattacks targeting water systems in multiple U.S. states have raised understandable questions about the security of the nation's drinking water infrastructure. While some utilities experienced operational disruptions, officials have reported no impacts to drinking water quality or public health. Water systems continued operating safely, and no contamination has been reported.