Texas Launches Project Watershed 250 to Enhance Water Cybersecurity

• •Project Watershed 250 aims to enhance cybersecurity for Texas water systems.
• •The initiative responds to recent cyberattacks, including suspected Iranian threats.
• •Private sector companies are providing resources at no cost to under-resourced utilities.

On August 31, 2026, the Trump administration initiated Project Watershed 250 in Texas, aimed at bolstering cybersecurity for vulnerable water systems. This six-month pilot program connects Texas water utilities with cybersecurity firms, including Microsoft and Google, to identify and address vulnerabilities. The initiative follows a series of cyberattacks, including a suspected Iranian-backed attack on 30 water systems across 12 states. Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the urgent need for cyber resilience, particularly for rural water providers lacking resources. The program will leverage private sector expertise and AI tools to enhance defenses against cyber threats. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are federal partners in this effort. The pilot is expected to inform future expansions to other states and rural communities.