The largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S. says it was the victim of a cyberattack, prompting the firm to pause billing to customers.

The largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States announced Monday that it was the victim of a cyberattack, prompting the firm to pause billing to customers.

New Jersey-based American Water — which provides services to more than 14 million people in 14 states and on 18 military installations — said it became aware of the unauthorized activity on Thursday and immediately took protective steps, including shutting down certain systems. The company does not believe its facilities or operations were impacted by the attack and said staffers were working “around the clock” to investigate the nature and scope of the attack.

The company said it has notified law enforcement and is cooperating with them. It also said customers will not face late charges while its systems are unavailable.

According to its website, American Water manages more than 500 water and wastewater systems in about 1,700 communities in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

    • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
      71·
      3 months ago

      If you really want to do so, you can go set up your own well and water purification system. Some people have to do so, because they’re off in the sticks somewhere that can’t get water service.

      My expectation is that you’ll find that it’s not cost-effective to do so.

      • Jagothaciv@kbin.earth
        61·
        3 months ago

        Sure but that water is filled with arsenic that requires serious filters.

        I built a house in the sticks for rich weirdos and at $45/ft digging the well was great but the filters and upkeep are insane. Not something regular folks can do, or should.

        We had community water in my rural town and it worked as long as you didn’t vote in dumbasses for the water board who literally try to sell out the community.

        Also, everyone on a well is a quick way to run out of water because no one is monitoring usage. If someone decides to water their property 24/7 they can and crazies actually do.

        Water was a right when we had 1bn people. At 8bn it’s dog eat dog. It’s just cold reality.