Quick summary: Recent cyberattacks on U.S. water systems disrupted monitoring and control functions. Reported effects included water pressure loss, which can create a potential pathway for contaminants. While there are no confirmed reports of drinking water contamination at this time, homeowners should follow local water advisories. Professional water testing and certified water treatment solutions like reverse osmosis or whole-house filtration systems can help address ongoing water-quality concerns.
Water quality has become a growing concern for homeowners across the United States following a series of cyberattacks targeting water and wastewater systems.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and the EPA, recently issued a public service announcement warning residents about the compromised technology at multiple utilities. At least 12 states have been impacted, including Michigan and Minnesota.
While there have been no reports of drinking water contamination, the incidents highlight how critical water infrastructure and understanding what’s in your water really are in our daily lives. From aging infrastructure to emerging contaminants like microplastics and PFAS, people are thinking more about what’s in their water.
So, what actually happened and more importantly, what does it mean about the water in your tap? We discussed all of this and more with Eric Roy, Culligan Head of Science, PhD. Dr. Roy brings a thoughtful perspective to the water industry, leveraging his extensive background in engineering water filtration technology, advocating for water quality and working on federally funded water security projects.
How can water utility cyberattacks affect tap water safety?
According to Dr. Roy, the attacks primarily targeted remote operational controls within water treatment systems. “The attacks targeted the remote controls within water systems. If they change certain valves, water pressure can drop, which can allow untreated water to find its way into the distribution system.”
Importantly, this does not mean hackers can instantly contaminate drinking water.
Instead, the greater concern is that operational disruptions can reduce water pressure. When pressure drops significantly, water from outside, damaged or leaking pipes may be drawn into the system, a process known as backflow or intrusion.
Dr. Roy explained this is very similar to what happens when a water main breaks and utilities follow established emergency procedures to protect public health, like restoring pressure, flushing mains and issuing precautionary drinking water advisories.
3 steps to protect your home’s drinking water
Cyberattacks are just one of many ways your water quality can be negatively impacted, but there are ways to reduce those risks today.
While some water problems have obvious signs like an unpleasant odor or taste, many contaminants cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, including those that carry health concerns, including PFAS, bacteria, lead and others.
Here’s what Dr. Eric Roy suggests you do when it comes to ensuring better water quality:
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Step 1. Start with professional water testing.
The first step toward improving your water is understanding what’s actually in it. “Getting your water tested is empowering,” says Dr. Roy. “If you know what’s in your water, you can take action to improve it.”
A professional water test identifies common water quality concerns and helps determine whether additional analysis is needed. It’s important to have your water tested if:
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- You’ve never had your water tested before
- You notice any changes in taste, odor or appearance
- You’ve heard about potential concerns
A local Culligan water expert can get you started with a free in-home consultation and water test and explain the results. Depending on your concerns, samples may be sent for further testing at Culligan’s IL EPA-certified lab.
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Step 2. Choose a water treatment solution based on your results.
Your test results should help you narrow the solution needed to address your specific needs and concerns. This could include a drinking water filtration system, whole-home filter or a combination solution.
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Step 3. Look for independent certification.
Perhaps the most important factor when selecting any water filtration solution is independent certification. Organizations such as the Water Quality Association (WQA), NSF and IAPMO independently test products to verify they reduce specific contaminants according to established industry standards. Certifications give homeowners confidence that a system will perform as claimed.
For comprehensive drinking water filtration, reverse osmosis (RO) is a top recommendation. “ROs are incredibly effective solutions that provide broad protection,” says Dr. Roy.
With multi-stage filtration methods, RO systems use pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane to reduce a wide range of contaminants at once. Culligan’s Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System offers up to seven stages of filtration and 14 filter options, and is certified to reduce more than 90 contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, lead, arsenic, PFAS and more.
Depending on test results, a specialized whole-house filter designed and certified to address particular concerns such as chlorine taste and odor, nitrates, iron, arsenic or PFAS, may be recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cyberattack affect drinking water quality?
A cyberattack can disrupt a water utility’s monitoring or operations, but it does not directly or automatically contaminate drinking water. In some circumstances, operational changes, such as a loss of water pressure, may create an opportunity for contaminants to enter the distribution system. Utilities monitor these conditions and issue public notices when protective action is needed.
How can water treatment plants be hacked or disrupted?
Water utilities use programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, to monitor and control equipment. According to federal officials, the recent attackers gained access to internet-facing PLCs, changed passwords and network settings, and caused some utilities to temporarily lose monitoring or control functions. Affected facilities responded by using manual operations and, in some cases, issuing boil water notices.
What contaminants can enter tap water during a system pressure loss?
When water pressure drops, water from outside, damaged or leaking pipes may enter the distribution system. Depending on local conditions, that water could contain microorganisms, sediment or other contaminants. A pressure loss does not necessarily mean contamination has occurred, but it may lead to a precautionary boil water advisory while the system is inspected, flushed and tested.
Was drinking water contaminated in the recent cyberattacks?
At this time, there have been no confirmed reports that these cyberattacks contaminated public drinking water.
How does the EPA protect drinking water during emergencies?
Public water systems are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA’s Public Notification Rule requires water systems to notify consumers about drinking-water violations and situations that may pose a public-health risk.
How do I know if my tap water is safe after an emergency?
Follow the specific directions provided by local authorities and wait until officials announce that the advisory has ended. This could include a boil water advisory, a do-not-drink notice or other instructions.
Even if you have a home water filtration system, continue following official instructions. Recommendations differ depending on whether the concern involves microorganisms, chemicals or another hazard.
If your water comes from a private well rather than a public water system, these types of issues do not typically affect your water supply. You can contact your local public health office if you have questions or concerns.
The takeaway: Water safety starts at home
The recent cyberattacks on U.S. water systems serve as an important reminder that protecting drinking water involves both resilient public infrastructure and informed homeowners.
Whether your concern is cybersecurity-related disruptions, aging infrastructure, PFAS, lead, or simply improving the taste of your drinking water, knowing what’s in your water is the first step toward greater confidence in every glass.
Ready to get started? Schedule your free in-home consultation and water test with your local Culligan water expert. You’ll receive personalized recommendations based on your home’s water quality and guidance on certified treatment solutions that fit your specific needs
