NRWA Announces Cybersecurity Circuit Rider Program Study

DUNCAN, Okla. - The National Rural Water Association (NRWA), in collaboration with the White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is pleased to announce the Cybersecurity Circuit Rider Program Study.

The one-year study begins November 1, 2024, with the goal to assess the cybersecurity capacity of rural water utilities through the engagement of Cybersecurity Circuit Riders.

"This study will provide NRWA and USDA with invaluable information and an understanding of how to best help small systems prepare for cybersecurity challenges and threats," said NRWA Chief Executive Officer Matt Holmes. "Cybersecurity is a key challenge for small systems, and ongoing education, training, and technical assistance is crucial for utilities to assess, prepare, and respond to cyberattacks."

The study is being administered by two of NRWA's State Affiliates, Oregon Association of Water Utilities and Vermont Rural Water Association.

Circuit Riders are trusted local sources that provide small and rural systems day-to-day advice, support and training. The Circuit Rider Program provides technical assistance to rural water systems that serve an area with population of 10,000 or less and are either a public body, non-profit corporation, or Indian tribe with legal authority to own and operate the water facility.

"America's critical infrastructure is at constant risk of a cyberattack and rural America can't be an afterthought," said USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke. "If a rural community lacks training and resources and isn't prepared, a cyberattack on a rural water system would completely devastate the community. I look forward to our new partnership with the White House Office of the National Cyber Director and the National Rural Water Association to help our rural communities better prepare for cyber threats and keep our rural water systems safe and secure."

The addition of Circuit Riders focused specifically on cybersecurity will help utilities assess their cybersecurity vulnerabilities and implement risk-based solutions and procedures. Additionally, they will provide cybersecurity training for the Water Circuit Riders in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This study will assess cybersecurity capacity and preparedness across our rural water facilities and culminate in recommendations around how to most effectively reduce cyber risk.

"The deployment of cyber-focused Circuit Riders is another action the Biden-Harris Administration is taking to secure America's water systems," said Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy Development Stephen Viña, adding, "we're eager to see how we can enhance cyber resiliency in our rural communities by leveraging proven resources in innovative ways."

NRWA is also partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide training and resources for utility cybersecurity preparedness.

NRWA is continuing to advocate for a Cybersecurity Circuit Rider program within the Farm Bill to provide service to rural systems on a national level to assess and enhance protection from cyber threats.

"This study gives NRWA the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of our Farm Bill initiative on cyber preparedness and solutions for small water utilities," Holmes said.

To learn more about NRWA's Cybersecurity efforts, please visit https://nrwa.org/issues/cybersecurity/.

About NRWA

The National Rural Water Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to training, supporting, and promoting the water and wastewater professionals that serve small and rural communities across the country. NRWA provides nationwide training and technical assistance through its affiliated State Rural Water Associations that currently have over 31,000 utility system members across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Rural Water training and technical assistance covers every aspect of operating, managing, and financing water and wastewater utilities.

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