COMMUNITY UPDATE
HTMUA PROACTIVE RESPONSE TO RECENT CYBER SECURITY EVENTS
AUGUST 7, 2026
HTMUA is aware of the recent cyber events affecting water systems in the United States.
HTMUA has been proactively planning and updated our security protocols to assure safe reliable drinking water for our customers. HTMUA has taken several proactive steps to reduce the risk of a cyber security breach. The details of these measures could lead to security risks and are not discussed here.
On Wednesday, July 29,2026, HTMUA participated in the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Quick Turnaround Web Update. The EPA shared that the events had occurred in at least six states, at that time, with a large concentration in Minnesota. The Web Update was proactively very informative. Given the nature of the recent events, the technical details were requested to remain with the attending water utilities.
Based on the information provided in the EPA’s call and information that followed other reported water utility cyber-attacks, HTMUA performed additional proactive reviews of the water system and security protocols.
On Wednesday, August 5th, HTMUA determined it is likely that a cyber-attack was attempted on HTMUA’s system in recent days. HTMUA proactively reported this information to the FBI and will continue to collaboratively work with the FBI, EPA, local police to assure the safety and security of the system.
HTMUA’s team was able to recognize and isolate the threat quickly and remove it from the system. The entire water distribution system was checked for similar attempts and determined to be clear of any attempts. Additional protocols have been put in place to eliminate the potential for a similar attempt to be successful.
The attempted cyber-attack was unsuccessful and did not affect drinking water quality for HTMUA customers.
HTMUA has been communicating with the Township of Hamilton’s Mayor, Police Chief, Atlantic County Sheriff, State Senator Polistina and Congressman VanDrew as well as the state and federal agencies working through this nationwide issue.
HTMUA recognizes the importance of a reliable and safe drinking water supply to our community. Cyber Security is an ongoing and evolving challenge. HTMUA is and will continue to monitor events to use any additional information to review the water systems and security to continue to provide reliable, safe, low-cost service to our customers.
Please direct any questions to [email protected]
Daniel A. Loveland Sr., P.E.
Executive Director