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In the Main

In the Main is a biweekly newsletter published by the MassDEP Bureau of Water Resources Drinking Water Program for Public Water Suppliers and drinking water interested parties.

Issued April 19, 2024. 

Previous issues of In the Main can be found on our website and issues from more than one year ago can be found on the State Library of Massachusetts Archive website.

To subscribe to In the Main send a blank email (no subject line, no email body, no signature) to join-dep-dwp-subscribers@listserv.state.ma.us.

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Drinking Water Operator Pre-Requisite Training Courses for Examinations

Operators seeking a Grade 2 or above license are required to take pre-requisite coursework prior to sitting for their examination.

  • Operators seeking a D2, D3, or D4 license must complete the Basic Distribution Training Course
  • Operators seeking a T2 license must complete the Basic Treatment Training Course
  • Operators seeking a T3 or T4 license must complete the Advanced Treatment Course

To be eligible for licensure, operators must take training courses that are approved by the Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (Board). A list of the training courses currently approved by the Board can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/board-of-certification-of-operators-of-drinking-water-supply-facilities-approved-education-courses-to-sit-for-examination.

If an operator believes they have sufficient education and do not need to take a training course, they can submit an Application for Waiver from Training Requirements to Sit for Exams, which can be found at https://www.mass.gov/doc/waiver-from-training-requirements-to-sit-for-exams-application-0/download. Waivers may be approved for individuals with continuing education (certificate, associate degree, and/or bachelor’s degree) or more than 2 years of experience in a system with a classification equal to or greater than the grade of license that the operator is seeking. Approval of a waiver from training courses does not waive the examination requirement.

More information about operator examinations can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-board-of-certification-of-operators-of-drinking-water-operator-exam-information.

 

Getting Ready for the LCRR

Important: EPA has released a new LCRR Implementation Fact Sheet!

EPA's 2021 LCRR Implementation Fact Sheet describes the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) requirements that PWS must comply with starting on October 16, 2024, as outlined in the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) proposal. These requirements include the initial Service Line Inventory (SLI), notification to persons served by service lines that contain or have the potential to contain lead, Tier 1 public notification of a lead action level exceedance, and associated reporting requirements.

Please note that failure to submit the initial SLI by October 16, 2024 requires Tier 3 Public Notification (PN), as highlighted in page 2 of the factsheet.

The factsheet is located on the EPA webpage: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/revised-508_lcrr-compliance-fact-sheet_4.17.24.pdf.

 

EPA Tier 1 24-Hour Public Notice 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also posted their Tier 1 Public Notification Template, which must be used by systems following a Lead Action Level Exceedance (ALE) after October 16, 2024. The EPA has also posted a Lead ALE Tier 1 Public Notice (PN) Factsheet, which summarizes EPA’s requirements following a lead ALE for timing, content, and delivery of a Tier 1 Public Notice (PN).

Both the Notice Template and Factsheet are available on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule Implementation Tools webpage: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule-implementation-tools#TIER_1

Please note that MassDEP/DWP has posted the Massachusetts Tier 1 24-Hour PN Template on the Lead and Copper Forms and Templates webpage: https://www.mass.gov/lists/lead-copper-forms-and-templates#lead-&-copper-rule-revisions-(lcrr)-. The MassDEP/DWP PN Template consists of two versions, a Short Form and a Long Form version that contain the required information, but in different layouts. Systems will be required to select and use either the short form or the long form template following the LCRR deadline of October 16, 2024.  

Please Note: On April 11, 2024, the EPA sent a Memo to all Water Division Directors encouraging all PWS Supervision Primacy Agencies to work with PWSs to start implementing 24-hour public notifications ahead of the LCRR compliance date of October 16, 2024, in order to expedite the dissemination of the public health protection information in the LCRR.

MassDEP/DWP has already been working with Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) member PWSs to implement this 24-hour PN requirement over the past 2 years, with much success. MassDEP will continue to work with MWRA member PWSs to send out these tier 1 notifications to consumers when/if applicable and is now encouraging all PWS subject to the LCR to begin thinking about implementing Tier 1 24-Hour PNs after a Lead ALE.

Look out for upcoming training opportunities from MassDEP on how to implement 24-Hour PNs! MassDEP will also provide technical assistance to PWS on how prepare for implementing 24-Hour PNs, if needed.

If you have any questions regarding the Tier 1 24-Hour PN, please contact MassDEP/DWP by emailing program.director-dwp@mass.gov, subject: Tier 1 24-Hour PN.

*This 24-hour PN requirement will not be impacted by the impending Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).

 

Shout Out to PWS that Submitted DRAFT Service Line Inventories (SLI) by April 1st!

Thank you to all the PWS below that have submitted a draft service line inventory (SLI) for MassDEP to review! And a special shout out to Cape Cod National Seashore Marconi Area, this PWS submitted their draft SLI before April 1st! Thank you to our 52 systems that submitted their draft SLI by the April 1st date, and all that have submitted their drafts after April 1st! As of April 16th, 2024, we have 66 PWS that submitted their draft inventories. See the full list below.

MassDEP recommends that PWS who would like feedback to submit their SLI draft as soon as possible for MassDEP to review, to provide the most time for the PWS to act upon any MassDEP/DWP feedback!

Important Note: A Service Line Inventory submitted between now and the October 16th deadline that is clearly marked as DRAFT does NOT trigger the LCRR requirements.   Either add “DRAFT” to the subject line of your email or in the body of your email message.

BOLTON COUNTRY MANOR

TYNGSBOROUGH WATER DISTRICT

HUBBARDSTON HOUSE APARTMENTS

STONEHAM WATER DEPT (MWRA SUPPLY)

PAXTON WATER DEPARTMENT

WORTHINGTON FIRE DISTRICT

PEMBROKE WATER DIVISION DPW

WAREHAM FIRE DISTRICT

SOUTH HADLEY FD #1 (MWRA)

MELROSE WATER DIVISION (MWRA)

EGREMONT WATER DEPT

CATAMOUNT SPORTSMEN’S CLUB

EVERETT WATER DEPT. (MWRA)

MASHPEE WATER DISTRICT

LFB USA, INC.

TEWKSBURY HOSPITAL

HOPKINTON WATER DEPARTMENT

BERLIN MEMORIAL SCHOOL

NORFOLK WATER DIVISION

VACATION VILLAGE IN THE BERKSHIRES

GLEN RIDGE RESIDENTS TRUST

HARVARD WATER DEPARTMENT

AMHERST DPW WATER DIVISION

MERRIMAC WATER DEPARTMENT

ASHFIELD WATER DISTRICT

SHELBURNE FALLS FIRE DISTRICT

HATFIELD WATER DEPT

CENTERVILLE OSTERVILLE MARSTONS MILLS WD

LINDA MANOR NURSING HOME

CCNS MARCONI AREA

APPLEWOOD COMMUNITY CORPORATION

BEDFORD VA HOSPITAL (ROGERS MEM. HOSP.)

SOUTHBOROUGH DPW WATER DIVISION (MWRA)

EMERSON HOSPITAL

AMESBURY DPW WATER DIV.

LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMM

ARLINGTON WATER DEPT. (MWRA)

MARTHAS VINEYARD AIRPORT

BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (MWRA)

SPRINGFIELD WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION

NATICK WATER DEPARTMENT

HANOVER WATER DEPT

TOWN OF AVON

MARION WATER DIVISION

OAK BLUFFS WATER DISTRICT

MATTAPOISETT WATER DEPARTMENT

TAUNTON WATER DIVISION

MEDFIELD WATER DEPT.

WEYMOUTH WATER DEPARTMENT

V A BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM  BROCKTON

TURNERS FALLS WATER DEPT

DUXBURY WATER DEPARTMENT

NORTHAMPTON WATER DIVISION

FAIRHAVEN WATER DEPT

DRAGON HILL CONDOMINIUMS

FALMOUTH WATER DEPT

GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT

MILTON WATER DEPT. (MWRA)

LEICESTER WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT

ROWLEY WATER DEPARTMENT

CHERRY VALLEY/ ROCHDALE WATER DISTRICT

WEST NEWBURY WATER DEPARTMENT

HILLCREST WATER DISTRICT

ABINGTON/ROCKLAND JOINT WTR. WORKS

FRAMINGHAM WATER DEPT. (MWRA)

LINCOLN WATER DEPT

 

Have You Started Your Service Line Inventory? Do You Need Assistance to Meet the October 16, 2024, Deadline?

For small PWS: Request help from the MassDEP / UMass Amherst Free Small Systems SLI / LSLRP Technical Assistance Program to catchup with the LCRR requirements.

Need help creating or finishing your Service Line Inventory? Remember that the Free Technical Assistance Program is available to help all NTNCs and small COMs complete both the SLI and the Lead Service Line Replacement Plan (LSLRP) if needed. 

Let’s clear something up: All public water systems, even those without lead service lines, are required to submit a complete initial service line inventory (SLI) by October 16, 2024. 

How does it work: The Free Technical Assistance Program will help you identify, compile, and review service line records, create a customer outreach plan, and complete the service line inventory before the October 16, 2024 deadline.

We strongly recommend that all eligible public water systems apply for the free assistance by completing the application survey , or emailing lsl@umass.edu with the subject, Requesting assistance for the SLI.

 

Monthly LCRR Open House Hours for all PWS

Starting next month, MassDEP will be hosting open monthly calls for PWS with Service Line Inventory (SLI) related questions. These calls are not trainings, therefore, no TCHs will be awarded.

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Time: 10 AM – 11 AM

Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsfu2pqj4jGdCeh4V3gKuf84wBgW8wqOZL

How to Prepare? Please submit your questions ahead of time to program.director-dwp@mass.gov, subject: LCRR Open Office Hours. 

 

SLI Do It Yourself Resources for all PWS

 

DO’s and DON’Ts of Submitting your SLI

DO: Submit your SLI using the MassDEP SLI Workbook, or a Workbook using the same values and columns listed in the SLI Workbook Instructions.

  • All PWS submitting an SLI to MassDEP should use either the MassDEP created SLI workbook, available on the MassDEP webpage here: or a SLI that matches the CSV Column types and values of the MassDEP workbook.

DO NOT: Submit a SLI that does not meet the Column and Value requirements.

What does this mean? If you create an SLI Workbook, your Columns should match the values provided in the SLI Workbook instructions [https://www.mass.gov/doc/instructions-service-line-inventory-excel-workbook-for-version-103/download], and your Values used in the workbook should match the values provided in the Column Definitions Tab of the MassDEP SLI Workbook. For example, in the most recent version of the Workbook, MassDEP allows 8 values for service line materials. Your workbook should only include those 8 values.

DO: Reach out to MassDEP at program.director-dwp@mass.gov if you have any questions regarding your Service Line Inventory.

1

DO NOT: Submit the EPA Workbook Template. The EPA Workbook does not match MassDEP’s workbook requirements.

DO: Read the SLI Workbook Instructions to review how to submit your SLI, including how to validate your SLI and how to convert it to a CSV file.

DO NOT: Submit your SLI as a normal Excel file (.xlsx/.xlsm).

 

Service Line Inventory (SLI) Workbook Tips and Important Instructions!

All tips and instructions included below are also included in the MassDEP Service Line Inventory Workbook Instructions [https://www.mass.gov/doc/instructions-service-line-inventory-excel-workbook-for-version-103/download]. ALL PWS should review this document, to know the correct values to use in your SLI, how to validate your inventory, and how to submit your inventory correctly!

How to Validate your Service Line Inventory Workbook!

Configuring your Validation Settings:

Before validating the SLI worksheet, you will need to configure your validation settings.  Follow the steps below to configure your validation settings.

  1. Right-click in any cell of the SLI worksheet.  
  2. Select DEP: Inventory Validation from the context menu.  
  3. The Validation Settings form (Figure 4) will be displayed.  
figure4

Figure 4 - Inventory Validation Settings Form

  1. If you want all cells with errors to be highlighted select Highlight Invalid Cells.  After you run validation all cells with invalid data will be filled with a light red color.
  2. If you want to save a detailed log file which includes information about all of the errors found on the INVENTORY sheet, along with instructions to fix the errors, select Output Validation Errors to File.  This will open a prompt to select a folder where the validation errors log file will be saved (Figure 5).    The log file is a plain text (.txt) file.
figure5

Figure 5 - Validation Settings - Save Output File

Navigate to a folder and then click the OK button.  The folder path you selected will be displayed below the checkbox (Figure 6). 

figure6

Figure 6 - Validation Settings - Output File Path

The validation error log files are named YYYY_MM_DD_HHMMSS_inventory_errors.txt, where YYYY is the current four-digit year, MM is the two-digit current month, DD is the two-digit day of the month, HHMMSS is the time in 24-hour format.

  1. Click the Save button.

 

To validate your SLI worksheet:

  1. Right-click in any cell of the SLI worksheet to display the context menu.
  2. Select DEP: Inventory Validation
  3. Select Validate Inventory Worksheet.  A progress indicator will show the percentage of rows that have been validated.  The time it takes to complete the validation process will depend directly on the number of rows in the INVENTORY worksheet.
  4. If you selected Highlight Invalid Cells in the Validation Settings then all cells with errors will be filled with a light red color. (See below for how to clear highlighted invalid cells)
  5. If you selected Output Validation Errors to File the log file will contain detailed information about the errors found.
figure5

Figure 7 - Validate Inventory

Clear Highlighted Validation Errors

To clear the highlighted errors on the SLI worksheet:

  1. Right-click in any cell of the SLI worksheet to display the context menu.
  2. Select DEP: Inventory Validation
  3. Select Clear Highlighted Validation Errors

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about you’re the Inventory process, email MassDEP DWP at program.director-dwp@mass.gov (subject: SLI Inventory).

 

Lead in Schools and Childcare Facilities Drinking Water Update

Expanded Assistance Program Update    

The Expanded Assistance Program for Lead in Schools and Early Education and Care Facilities (EECF) Drinking Water provides free analysis of lead drinking water samples and technical assistance to schools and EECFs by assisting with sampling, results interpretation, and guidance on remediation actions. The program is funded by a grant from the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

MassDEP also worked with the Clean Water Trust to secure additional funding to expand assistance to private schools.   

Currently, 904 schools and EECFs are participating in the program and 576 (64%) of participating facilities are within environmental justice communities. To date, 702 schools and EECFs have completed testing. Of facilities that have tested and received results, 473 (67%) had one or more lead detections.    

Do you know of any schools or childcare facilities that could benefit from the Expanded Assistance Program? Please identify and encourage schools and childcares within your service area to participate in the program.    

Eligible facilities may apply for assistance at https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbyr_U8wEMrA-Q2XifkK4l58x4GDtYrItvpKIKUAhSxpw9pSZtA/exec

PFAS Update

New EPA MCLs for PFAS

On April 10, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS. The EPA regulations limit PFAS levels in Community and Non-Transient Non-Community public drinking water sources to the following.

pfas

 EPA provided the following timeline:

  • Within three years of rule promulgation (2024 – 2027): Initial monitoring must be complete
  • Starting three years following rule promulgation (2027 – 2029):
    • Results of initial monitoring must be included in annual Consumer Confidence Reports
    • Regular monitoring or compliance must begin, and results of compliance monitoring must be included in Consumer Confidence Reports
    • Public notification for monitoring and testing violations
  • Starting five years following rule promulgation (starting 2029)
    • Comply with all MCLs
    • Public notification for MCL violations

For more information about the MCLs, see: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas

States are required to establish regulations that are no less stringent than the federal standards within 2 years of the promulgation of the federal MCL, with the possibility of an extension of up to 2 years.  The Massachusetts regulations, which established a PFAS6 MCL of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) will be updated. MassDEP will be proposing amendments to its PFAS regulations to be at least as stringent as the EPA MCLs and will be holding public hearings to receive public input on this proposal. On April 12, 2024 MassDEP notified all PWS of the new EPA regulation. See https://www.mass.gov/doc/important-notice-new-epa-pfas-drinking-water-regulations-0/download.

 

Training Calendar

image of training text

When you need training, please look at the training calendar.
 

Board of Certification Training Page and List of Approved Courses 

You may also want to go to the Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities Operators training page and view the approved education courses to sit for examination.  Go to: https://www.mass.gov/doc/drinking-water-board-approved-education-courses-updated-september-2020/download. 

 

Some Newly Added Trainings on the Calendar: 

Drinking Water Professional Community Webinar on EPA’s Final PFAS NPDWR

Tuesday, April 23, 2024; 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET; webinar

EPA is hosting an informational webinar specifically for the drinking water professional community about EPA’s recently finalized Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). During the webinar, EPA will provide information and an overview of the final PFAS NPDWR, including the regulation’s requirements and implementation timeline. The webinar will be informational only. To view the final NPDWR and for more supporting information, please see EPA’s PFAS NPDWR website at: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas. Register here

 

Insights to Prepare for and Succeed in Monitoring PFAS

Thursday, April 25, 2024; 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET; webinar

Will 2024 be the year when PFAS stops emerging in drinking water and becomes regulated? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent the final rule for regulating PFAS in drinking water to the Office of Management and Budget for review in mid-December 2023. Hence, it is very likely that a Maximum Contaminant Level for selected PFAS will be established in 2024. At the same time, UCMR5 is reaching its mid-point and we are understanding better the occurrence of these contaminants in our water supplies. A critical step in preparing your utility's response to the upcoming regulatory demands about PFAS is to ensure you own accurate and reliable PFAS data that your team can use in a timely manner; whether you are collecting samples for UCMR, future regulation, or piloting a new treatment. In this webinar, experts will provide the latest updates about PFAS monitoring and practical insights for ensuring that your utility and water quality laboratory succeed in PFAS analysis, in 2024 and beyond. Register here

 

EPA Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar Series: PFAS Drinking Water Regulation and Treatment Methods

Tuesday, April 30, 2024; 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET; webinar

EPA is hosting a webinar as part of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development and Office of Water webinar series for Small Drinking Water Series. The webinar will focus on an overview of the EPA’s Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation and treatment methods for the removal of PFAS compounds. This webinar is geared towards small drinking water systems. Register here

 

Cybersecurity and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Regulations

Wednesday, May 1, 2024; 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET; webinar

Who's Watching Washington? Essential policy updates from AWWA Governmental Affairs. Expert Panel:

Moderator: Steve Via, Director of Federal Relations, AWWA

Kevin Morley PhD, Manager of Federal Relations, AWWA

Chris Moody, Regulatory Technical Manager, AWWA
$75 member, $120 nonmember Register here
 

Training Resources

  • MassDEP 

        Previous Cybersecurity Trainings now on YouTube:  

        Basic Cybersecurity Measures for Water Utilities: https://youtu.be/78v3eAyf1yE

        Ransomware Experiences, Defense, and Response: https://youtu.be/eisIsdQnXqE

  • Environmental Finance Center Network

For a complete list of trainings webinars and in-person trainings please go to: https://efcnetwork.org/upcoming-events/  

  • EPA 

For a complete list of trainings, webinars and in-person trainings, please go to: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-training.  

  • Mass Rural Water Association 

For a complete list of trainings, webinars and in-person trainings, please go to:  https://www.massrwa.org/p/14/Trainings—Events.  

  • MWWA 

For a complete list of trainings, webinars and in-person trainings, please go to: MWWA Calendar 

  • NEWWA 

For a complete list of trainings, webinars and in-person trainings, please go to: https://communityhub.newwa.org/nc__upcomingevents.  

  • Water ISAC 

For a complete list of trainings, webinars and in-person trainings, please go to: https://www.waterisac.org/resources.  

  • RCAP Solutions 

For a complete list of trainings, webinars and in-person trainings, please go to: 
https://www.rcapsolutions.org/events/

  • AWWA 

For a complete list of trainings, webinars and in-person trainings, please go to:  https://www.awwa.org/Events-Education/Events-Calendar?utm_term=AWWA+Connections+10-8-2021&utm_content=Connections+10-8-2021&utm_source=communications&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=connections.  

Training Refresher 

If you need a refresher on recently given trainings, you can review several training videos located at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJn2AKOcYr7lutGJB-UfDKtQPF_o_249m   

Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness, and You!

illustration of a red blinking light

PLEASE SHARE THIS CYBERSECURITY INFORATION WITH YOUR SCADA & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STAFF

For more information on cybersecurity visit the new MassDEP/DWP cybersecurity resource hub for PWS at Cybersecurity Resource Hub for MA Public Water Systems (PWS) (arcgis.com). This hub provides updates and alerts on cyber threats, as well as resources that PWS can use to improve their cybersecurity defenses, mitigate cyber-attack risks, and enhance overall compliance and resiliency. MassDEP/DWP strongly encourages PWS staff to visit the hub regularly to stay up to date on the latest resources, alerts and updates, and to share the information with their staff/colleagues.

 

Important Reminder: Sanitary Surveys and Cybersecurity

Is your PWS scheduled for a sanitary survey in 2024? If your PWS is scheduled for a sanitary survey in 2024 MassDEP/DWP will inspect your cybersecurity assessment findings and plans during the upcoming sanitary survey cycle. Any findings will be incorporated in a separate action plan and your PWS will receive technical assistance to 

assist you to address the findings. Please remember all cybersecurity information is considered as sensitive information and must be kept confidential.

If you have any questions on this information, you may also contact the Drinking Water Program at program.director-dwp@mass.gov. 

 

New MassDEP Drinking Water Program Cybersecurity Grant Program

(Final grant application deadline June 1, 2024). Have you applied?

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Drinking Water Program (MassDEP DWP), is offering grants funds of up to $50,000, to PWSs that have a cybersecurity risk assessment and use operational technology equipment with an identified cybersecurity risk. More details https://www.mass.gov/info-details/public-water-suppliers-cybersecurity-improvements-grant-program.

 

New MassDEP Cybersecurity Resource Hub

MassDEP Drinking Water Program launched a cybersecurity resource hub (StoryMap): Cybersecurity Resource Hub for MA Public Water Systems (PWS) (arcgis.com). The purpose of this hub is to provide resources for public water systems (PWS) to improve cybersecurity defenses, mitigate cyber-attack risks, and enhance overall resiliency and compliance.

 

EPA FREE CYBERSECURITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Register for a free assessment with simple steps by using the following link: https://www.epa.gov/waterresilience/forms/epas-water-sector-cybersecurity-evaluation-program.

For more information on EPA programs please visit EPA’s Cybersecurity for the Water Sector website.

 

CISA Free In-Person Cybersecurity Assessments for Selected PWS in Massachusetts

Do you want a cybersecurity assessment from the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)?  If you are interested, please let us know at your earliest convenience at program.director-dwp@mass.gov. Subject: CISA Cybersecurity Assessments. PWS will be chosen based on criteria such as PWS type, size, and particularly the timing of their sanitary surveys.

 

Incident Reporting

Additionally, WaterISAC can be notified by emailing analyst@waterisac.org, calling 866-H2O-ISAC, or using the online incident reporting form .

Be Vigilant!

Report all incidents and anomalous activity to CISA and/or the FBI via your local FBI field office or the FBI’s 24/7 CyWatch at 855-292-3937 or CyWatch@fbi.gov

Regularly review CISA’S Shields Up page.

 

NEW Critical Infrastructure Security Updates

Cybersecurity and Geopolitical Tensions

  • Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s attack on Israel could heighten risk to U.S. homeland.
  • With recent geopolitical events, it is more important than ever for all PWS technology users to be vigilant about suspicious activity on the systems that we use.
  • Clicking links and opening email attachments can expose your data and the PWS data to attackers. Please see the DWP poster on how to spot a fake or malicious email here.
     

Security Awareness – FBI Issues public service announcement (PSA) on Social Engineering Techniques (Source WaterISAC)

  • As social engineering techniques continue to proliferate, it is still important to continually remind family, friends, and colleagues of the common themes that are designed to trick us into falling for cyber scams.
  •  As such, the FBI recently issued a PSA to inform individuals and businesses about current social engineering techniques, including:
  • impersonating employees,
  • subscriber identity module (SIM) swap attacks,
  • call forwarding and simultaneous ring; and,
  • phishing.

Joint Guidance on Deploying AI Systems Securely: Best Practices for Deploying Secure and Resilient AI Systems

  • The NSA’s Artificial Intelligence Security Center (NSA AISC) published the joint Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI) Deploying AI Systems Securely in collaboration with CISA, the FBI, CISA, the FBI, and international partners from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
  • The joint CSI guidance provides best practices for deploying and operating externally developed artificial intelligence (AI).
  • CISA encourages organizations that deploy and operate externally developed AI systems to review and apply this guidance as applicable. For more information and guidance on securing AI systems, visit https://www.cisa.gov/ai

 

NEW Upcoming Trainings

Water Sector Cyber Resilience Briefing – If You Could Only Do One Thing: CISA's Vulnerability Scanning Service for Water and Wastewater Utilities

Wednesday, April 24, 2024; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET

Join us on April 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET for our monthly Cyber Resilience Briefing when presenters from CISA will highlight some of its no-cost cybersecurity services, including the Cyber Vulnerability Scanning for Water and Wastewater Utilities that can help you see what attackers see. Webinar Registration - Zoom
 

CISA Webinar: Defending Internet Accessible Systems

Thursday, April 25, 2024; 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET; webinar

The 200-level training events are open to government employees and contractors across federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government, educational partners, and critical infrastructure partners. Participants will be introduced to tactics and strategies that enable them to protect their organizations from attacks against internet accessible system(s) (i.e., Internet Accessible System Attacks or IAS), through awareness of individual and organizational points of vulnerability. Register now
 

CISA Workshop: ICS Cybersecurity Training 2024

Monday, May 13, - Thursday, May 16, 2024; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET; Burlington, MA

CISA Region 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) is hosting a multiday in-person training workshop focusing on understanding, protecting, and securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) from cyber-attacks. Register now

 

Supply Chain Reminders

 

Contact   for In the Main

Online

MassDEP Drinking Water Program Email MassDEP Drinking Water Program at program.director-dwp@mass.gov

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