Securing the Flow: Addressing the National Security Vulnerabilities in the US Water Supply
by Brandon Schingh
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05.26.2025 at 06:00am
Securing the Flow: Addressing the National Security Vulnerabilities in the US Water Supply Image
Protecting the sanctity of our water supply is not merely an environmental concern, it is a critical national security priority and challenge. As demand for water increases due to population growth, climate change, and industrial expansion, the United States faces significant vulnerabilities in its water supply distribution systems, such as aging infrastructure and outdated information technology (IT) systems which plague water management capabilities at every level, from municipal utilities to federal agencies. Many water treatment plants and distribution networks rely on decades-old infrastructure, making them susceptible to failures and contamination. Additionally, legacy IT systems, often lacking modern cybersecurity measures, expose critical water assets to cyberattacks from state and non-state actors. A targeted attack on the domestic water supply—whether through direct contamination, such as introducing a biological agent into an aquifer, or through a cyberattack on critical command, control, and distribution systems—would be considered an act of aggression with serious consequences. Such disruptions could cripple water distribution, triggering a cascade of problems, from local economic instability to major public health crises like cholera or typhoid outbreaks. If left unaddressed, these emergencies could also escalate into broader political tensions, similar to the ongoing water disputes between Mexico and the US. With water becoming an increasingly contested resource, safeguarding its availability and security must be recognized as a national priority requiring immediate investment and policy reform.
The security of our nation’s water supply is not an isolated concern; rather, it is deeply intertwined with broader national security threats, including agroterrorism–the deliberate release of plant or animal diseases as an act of terror—and foreign exploitation of critical resources such as “virtual water”, the act of using local water by a foreign entity to grow crops for export. Addressing these interconnected threats requires a strategic approach that prioritizes water security as a fundamental pillar of national resilience, supported by the implementation of strategic infrastructure investments, policy reforms, and cybersecurity enhancements.
Growing Demand and Strain on Water Resources
Population growth and urbanization are deeply connected, driving each other in a cycle of rapid acceleration. While David Kilcullen examined this dynamic through the lens of global conflict, its impact extends far beyond, placing immense pressure on our aquatic resources. As cities expand and populations surge, the demand for clean water increases, ecosystems are disrupted, and the strain on freshwater supplies intensifies. These trends are not just shaping our urban landscapes—they are fundamentally reshaping the way we interact with and depend on water.
https://smallwarsjournal.com/2025/05/26/water-security-national-infrastructure-cyber-threats/
