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Centreville staff say cybersecurity plans in place as state rules reach water and wastewater systems
Summary
Town staff told the council that state-mandated cybersecurity requirements for water and wastewater utilities are being addressed, noting the wastewater plant is not internet-connected and that IT vendors have installed firewalls and documentation for potential audits.
Centreville officials reported on 01/22/2026 that they are implementing cybersecurity measures required for water and wastewater systems under recently enacted state legislation.
Unidentified Speaker 6, in a presentation to the council, said legislation has been passed requiring water and wastewater operations to maintain cybersecurity plans and that Centerville has been preparing. "The wastewater plant, it's not connected to anything like the Internet," he said, noting that the plant's isolation reduces some cyber exposure but that operator computers and town offices still need protection. He added that the town has worked with Midshore IT to install standalone firewalls and that documentation and audit-ready records are being maintained.
Council members asked whether outside contractors who access town systems must meet the same standards. Unidentified Speaker 6 said contractor machines that interface with town systems must be compliant and protected. He also said routine updates to firewalls and software will be required, though he did not describe a fixed annual certification schedule.
The briefing said the water treatment system recently received a replacement operating system and that the contractor installed a dedicated firewall when the new software was commissioned. Staff said they will continue coordination with vendors and the county for future plant replacements.
No formal action was taken; the update was presented as information for future planning and budgeting.
Next steps: staff will continue documentation and coordination with Midshore and outside contractors and bring any significant procurement or policy changes to the council for approval.
