A New Era: The Push for a Department of Water to Tackle Cyberthreats and Climate Change

Presidential council recommends launching a Department of Water to confront cyberthreats, climate change

In a recent report, the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), a group of executives and leaders from the public and private sector that advises the president on infrastructure risks, has called for the creation of a Department of Water or an equivalent cabinet-level agency. The goal is to address the looming water crisis and cybersecurity threats that could endanger treatment plants serving millions of Americans. The report highlights the need for a coordinated effort among owners, operators, and government entities at all levels to strengthen the security and resilience of the nation’s critical water infrastructure.

Fragmented Responsibility and the Need for Coordination

The NIAC report notes that the current federal oversight of water-related issues is fragmented, with seven executive agencies and three independent federal agencies involved. However, this does not account for all the various federal and state-level agencies with water oversight. The lack of coordination makes it difficult to fully understand the country’s water needs and strategically prepare for a water-secure future. The creation of a Department of Water, or a cabinet-level equivalent, would enable greater coordination and ensure a more comprehensive approach to addressing water-related challenges.

Addressing Physical and Cyber Threats

A Department of Water would not only focus on physical threats to water infrastructure but also prioritize cybersecurity. The report emphasizes the need to develop a research and development program for cybersecurity within the department. This program would explore innovative ways to protect water systems from cyber threats and address emerging challenges like forever chemicals, such as PFAS.

The Challenge of Funding and Workforce

One of the major challenges facing the water sector is the chronic underfunding and underinvestment in critical water infrastructure. Aging infrastructure, coupled with extreme weather events, puts a strain on water systems and compromises their reliability and resiliency. Funding cybersecurity upgrades and addressing workforce shortages are additional challenges that need to be tackled.

The report highlights the difficulty of attracting and retaining skilled workers, particularly in IT fields, within the water sector. Utilities struggle to compete with private sector salaries, making it challenging to recruit the necessary talent to meet cybersecurity needs. The report emphasizes that without additional investment in technology and employees, utilities will be ill-equipped to address cybersecurity threats effectively. This issue is not unique to the water sector but extends to the broader cybersecurity industry.

Philosophical Implications

The recommendation to establish a Department of Water raises philosophical questions about the role of government and the responsibility to protect critical infrastructure. Water is a fundamental resource that is essential for life, and ensuring its security and resilience is a matter of national importance. The creation of a dedicated department reflects the recognition that fragmented oversight and underinvestment have not adequately addressed the complex challenges facing the water sector.

Furthermore, the report highlights the interconnectedness of different sectors and the need for collaboration to protect critical infrastructure. Water systems are vulnerable to cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of considering cybersecurity in the context of broader infrastructure planning.

Editorial and Advice

The recommendation to establish a Department of Water is a crucial step towards addressing the challenges facing the water sector, including cybersecurity threats and the impact of climate change. The report underscores the need for coordination and strategic planning across government agencies and stakeholders to ensure a water-secure future.

Investment in technology, research, and development is crucial to enhance the resilience of water systems and protect against cyber threats. Adequate funding should be allocated to support these efforts, recognizing that the cost of inaction is far greater than the investment required to address the challenges at hand.

To attract and retain skilled workers, policies should be implemented to improve compensation and provide training opportunities within the water sector. Collaboration between the public and private sectors can help bridge the gap in resources and expertise, ensuring the necessary human capital is available to address cybersecurity challenges.

The establishment of a Department of Water should be accompanied by a comprehensive national water strategy that brings together all relevant stakeholders. This strategy should prioritize resilience, sustainability, and the protection of critical water infrastructure.

Ultimately, safeguarding the nation’s water resources and infrastructure is an ongoing endeavor. It requires a collective commitment, both from government agencies and individuals, to prioritize the security and resilience of our water systems.