The largest water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., American Water, recently was hit by a cyberattack that led to a temporary halt in customer billing. After detecting unauthorized activity in its computer networks, the New Jersey-based company shut down certain systems, including its billing portal, and reported limited functionality at its call center.
"Upon learning of the issue, our team immediately activated our incident response protocols and third-party cybersecurity professionals to assist with containment, mitigation and an investigation into the nature and scope of the incident," American Water said in an online FAQ. "We also notified law enforcement and are coordinating fully with them. We are working diligently to bring the disconnected systems back online safely and securely. Investigations of this nature take time, and we will share information when and as appropriate."
EPA Issues Final Rule Requiring Lead Pipe Replacement
In other news, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure.
In addition, the final rule aims to improve communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes and plans for replacing them.
Exotic Terrapin Discovered at England Water Plant
A red-eared terrapin the "size of a dinner plate" recently was rescued after being found basking in the sun at a water treatment plant in Totton, Hampshire, England.
The exotic reptile, likely abandoned during the 1990s when terrapins became popular pets, was spotted by a Southern Water employee at a river extraction site. The terrapin has since been re-homed at an animal sanctuary.
