# Plain Language Summary: Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act

Small rural water systems across America are vulnerable to cyberattacks, and this bill aims to fix that problem. Right now, the Department of Agriculture runs a program that sends experts called "circuit riders" to help rural water systems with technical issues. This bill expands that existing program to include cybersecurity help specifically designed for small water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. These circuit riders would visit rural water systems to check how well they're protected against hackers and help them set up better security plans, procedures, and technology to defend their systems.

The bill increases funding for this program from $25 million per year to $32.5 million per year, with $7.5 million of that new money dedicated specifically to cybersecurity assistance. This funding would run from 2026 through 2030. The practical impact is that small towns and rural communities that rely on local water systems would get free expert help to protect their water infrastructure from cyber threats—something most small systems can't afford to do on their own.

This matters because water systems are critical infrastructure, and if hackers gain access, they could potentially disrupt water service or contaminate supplies. Rural water systems are often understaffed and under-resourced compared to larger city systems, making them easier targets. By providing free cybersecurity expertise and support, the bill helps ensure that people in rural areas have the same level of protection for their water supply as people in bigger cities.

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act

Davis, Donald G.

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems ActThis bill amends the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Circuit Rider Program to include cybersecurity technical assistance for rural water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. Under the program, USDA provides technical assistance to rural water systems that are experiencing day-to-day operational, financial, or managerial issues.Specifically, the program's cybersecurity technical assistance must (1) assess system efficacy in protecting against cyber threats; and (2) implement cybersecurity plans, procedures, and technologies to protect against cyber threats.The bill also reauthorizes the Circuit Rider Program through FY2030.