Water Tech

Statewide cybersecurity initiatives, like whole-of-state programs, are offering essential support to smaller communities and agencies. Backed by federal funding, they aim to bridge resource gaps and strengthen defenses against cyber threats.

The project, which is called UnDisruptable27, wants society to prepare for near-future geopolitical conflicts in which cyber attacks are aimed at Americans’ access to water, medical care, power and food.

A new tool from Rebuild by Design shows climate change is an equal opportunity hazard. But spending money ahead of time on mitigation and prevention can be more cost-effective than committing it after disaster strikes.

The Center for Internet Security’s Cybersecurity Advisory Services Program is aimed at helping strengthen organizations that are involved in elections, health care, education and water utilities.

The state Legislature has set aside $250,000 this year to study underground water levels and ensure they don’t run dry amid increased demand from data centers and a multiyear drought.

The Environmental Protection Agency has warned against hackers affiliated with Iran and China who could sabotage drinking and wastewater resources — attacks it said are increasing in severity and frequency.

California water regulators have approved rules that will allow local water agencies to recycle wastewater directly into tap water after extra cleaning. Los Angeles and San Diego are among the communities exploring the concept.

The nation's first all-electric tugboat will soon move ships around the Port of San Diego. The 82-foot vessel, called the eWolf, will be powered by a 6.2 megawatt-hour main propulsion battery and two electric motors.

For state and local government agencies across the U.S., GIS technology has the power to inform decision-making, impact funding and improve the constituent experience through various applications.

Officials say the group, called Volt Typhoon, has inserted malware deep in the systems of numerous water and electric utilities that serve military installations in the United States and abroad.

Klir, which sells a water management and compliance platform, has launched a ChatGPT feature for utilities. The idea is to hand off tedious and data-heavy tasks to artificial intelligence while safeguarding data.

The challenges of defending water infrastructure are numerous. Many of the systems in California – and nationwide – are still operating with outdated software, poor passwords and other weaknesses that could leave them at risk.

Navier, a small maritime startup, is developing a line of electric-powered hydrofoil vessels that could be a quicker alternative to gridlocked bridges or bulky commuter ferries.

As summer heat approaches, officials in the Texas city are planning on testing a water-based asphalt treatment in all 10 City Council districts. The pavement is supposed to reduce spikes in temperature.

The zero-emission ferry is a first in the United States, powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The vessel will begin taking passengers on rides along the San Francisco waterfront in late spring.

Aptumo, a software-as-a-service CRM and billing tool for utilities that is based in the U.K., is expanding in the U.S. It's partnering with KloudGin, which sells a field service and asset management platform.

UF researchers are working with the data analytics company SAS to gather data and investigate the connections between pollution, ocean circulation, coastal water quality and economics using water forecasting technology.

Wastewater surveillance is proving to be the most accurate and economical way to gauge COVID-19 activity in communities across the country, but funding for this type of tracking hasn’t been consistent.