A recently released movie, “How to Blow Up a Pipeline,” is based on a book of the same name by Andreas Malm. It does not provide instructions on how to make or detonate an explosive device. Rather, it calls on the world’s wealthiest nations to pay attention to the alarming implications of climate change. 

It is important to note that the release of the movie has not prompted an increase in these types of threats. However, it is an opportunity to remind consumers that water systems and other providers of critical services make a significant investment in both money and resources to protect themselves from physical or cyberattacks.

The water sector considers cybersecurity to be a mission-critical function. Several agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the American Water Works Association, have performed and funded studies (and will continue to) resulting in water systems of all sizes having the most current information available to protect themselves from bad actors.

In 2018, passage of America’s Water Infrastructure Act required utilities to complete a risk and resiliency assessment that includes cyber threats to their controls. Additionally, operators throughout the country carefully pay attention to the controls that provide them with real-time information about the water they are treating and distributing.

Most water systems also use physical infrastructure, such as gates, surveillance cameras and security guards, to protect themselves and the water supply they treat and distribute to consumers.

You can rest assured that your water system is prepared to defend itself against threats from bad actors, whether on the screen or in real life.