EPA warns utilities after cyberattacks on water systems in nine states, not including Mass.

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a warning to utilities across the United States after cyberattacks targeted water systems in nine states in recent days.

The attacks have not affected water safety, but some areas have issued boil water orders as a precaution. Cybersecurity analysts have raised concerns about the potential impact of such hacks.

“If these Iranian or whoever, these hackers are able to mess with the chemicals, they could turn off the water supply. They could change the chemical feed. So an alert would go off saying, this is not drinkable water,” analysts said.

Massachusetts water systems remain secure, according to local officials. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) said, “MWRA has invested significantly in its security systems and protocols and Operations and Security staff work around the clock to ensure that the water and wastewater systems are safe and secure.”

This is not the first time U.S. utilities have been targeted. In 2023, a group linked to Iran hacked water pumps in parts of Pennsylvania, causing water systems to shut down.