Two new bipartisan bills have been introduced in the 119th Congress aimed at enhancing the security and resilience of the nation’s water infrastructure systems, reports ASDWA. The proposed legislation, H.R. 2344 and H.R. 2594, seeks to improve the preparedness of drinking water and wastewater systems in the face of a range of physical and cyber threats.
H.R. 2344: Water ISAC Threat Protection Act
Representative Janice D. Schakowsky (D-IL-9) introduced H.R. 2344 on March 25, 2025. The bill proposes the establishment of a program focused on bolstering threat preparedness and system resilience for water utilities. It has been referred to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce for consideration.
H.R. 2594: Water Risk and Resilience Organization
On April 2, 2025, Representative Eric A. Crawford (R-AR-1) introduced H.R. 2594, which calls for the creation of a Water Risk and Resilience Organization (WRRO). The proposed organization would be tasked with developing risk and resilience standards specifically tailored for the water sector.
Under the bill, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator would be responsible for overseeing the development of the WRRO. The organization would focus on a variety of activities, including assessing cybersecurity threats, aiding in the formulation and implementation of cybersecurity resilience standards, and addressing related sector-specific needs.
H.R. 2594 is currently under review by the same House committees as H.R. 2344: Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has expressed support for a collaborative approach to cybersecurity regulation in the water sector, citing the significant diversity in size, capacity, and resources among utilities across the country. The organization has warned that a uniform, one-size-fits-all approach could pose challenges, particularly for small and rural systems.
"The WRRO's collaborative structure ensures that water professionals can contribute their technical knowledge and utility expertise to the discussion and development of cybersecurity requirements," the AWWA noted.
"AWWA is grateful for the visionary leadership of Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) that led to the introduction of this legislation," said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. "We look forward to working with Rep. Crawford and many other leaders in Congress to advance the bill."
