Our water and wastewater systems are essential to public health, environmental protection, and community well-being. Because of their importance, these facilities are considered critical infrastructure and can be potential targets for theft, vandalism, cyber incidents, or terrorism. Protecting them is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a shared responsibility.
Security starts with awareness. Every employee, regardless of role or location, plays an important part in safeguarding our facilities, equipment, and systems. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make a real difference.
What You Can Do
Here are some simple but effective ways to help protect our critical water systems:
· Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in and around facilities, tanks, pump stations, and control rooms. If you see someone who does not appear to belong in a restricted area, follow company procedures to verify authorization.
· Protect access points by ensuring gates, doors, and hatches are closed and locked when required. Never prop open secured entrances.
· Safeguard information: Be cautious with sensitive operational details, passwords, badges, and system access. Share information only with authorized personnel.
· Ensure cyber system protection by following IT security guidelines, using strong passwords, and reporting suspicious emails or system behavior.
· Report unusual activity immediately, including suspicious vehicles, photography, drones, tampering, vandalism, or anything that just “doesn’t feel right.”
If you see something, say something. Reporting concerns promptly—no matter how small they may seem—helps prevent incidents before they happen. Always follow established reporting procedures and notify your supervisor or the appropriate security or management contact right away.
Protecting our water systems protects our coworkers, our communities, and the trust placed in us every day. Thank you for staying vigilant and for doing your part to keep our facilities safe and secure.
