WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) re-introduced two bipartisan bills to support rural water systems. The Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act, co-led by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), would help rural water and wastewater utilities prepare and become more resilient in the face of natural disasters and other extreme weather events. The Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act, co-led by Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), would update technical assistance opportunities for cyber defense to address vulnerabilities in rural water systems.
“Between increasing cyber threats and extreme weather disasters, rural Nevadans are experiencing more and more challenges, and it’s critical that their drinking water and wastewater systems are optimized to withstand such events,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “My bipartisan legislation will help protect rural water utilities and ensure they have the resources they need to support our communities all year round.”