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Erik Day has joined the Water Supply Engineering Section as an Environmental Specialist Senior leading the Private Well Program. Erik has filled the vacancy left when Russ Tell retired.
Erik has a M.S. double major in Geology and Environmental Science from Iowa State University. His professional work experience includes working for environmental consulting firms in the area. He has experience with ArcGIS, groundwater monitoring, overseeing well installation, well logging, and hydrogeological investigations.
The Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey 2021 has begun. The Iowa DNR’s WSE staff will contact individual systems that will be participating in the 2021 Needs Survey within the next two weeks. There are 72 Iowa systems that will participate. The Needs Survey is conducted every four years to estimate the infrastructure needs at public water supply systems nationally for the next 20 years. The outcome of the survey determines the amount of funding the state receives from the federal capitalization grant for the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund.
From the June 18, 2019 WS Listserv (originally from the ASDWA Weekly Update, June 12, 2019)
“Last week WaterISAC (Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center) released its guidance document “15 Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Water and Wastewater Utilities.” This is a completely updated guide of the 2012 version that addresses the expanding threats to the water sector. The guide organizes several best practices into 15 categories, which water utilities can use to mitigate security risks in information and operational technology. Within this guide are links to technical resources, allowing users to further investigate issues as needed.
Additionally, the updated guide will be helpful for utilities in preparation of their risk and resilience assessments required under AWIA. The 15 Fundamentals are also beneficial for informing emergency response plans that address mitigation and resilience options under AWIA.
The 15 Fundamentals:
- Perform Asset Inventories
- Assess Risks
- Minimize Control System Exposure
- Enforce User Access Controls
- Safeguard from Unauthorized Physical Access
- Install Independent Cyber-Physical Safety Systems
- Embrace Vulnerability Management
- Create a Cybersecurity Culture
- Develop and Enforce Cybersecurity Policies and Procedures
- Implement Threat Detection and Monitoring
- Plan for Incidents, Emergencies, and Disasters
- Tackle Insider Threats
- Secure the Supply Chain
- Address All Smart Devices (IoT, IIoT, Mobile, etc.)
- Participate in Information Sharing and Collaboration Communities”
Website
The guide is in a 56-page .pdf at the bottom of the webpage
From the 10/9/2020 WS Listserv (originally from the EPA Water Security Division, 10/5/2020)
“In order to prepare, respond and recover from a cyber-attack, utilities must first identify their vulnerabilities and mitigate the risk from a cyber incident. The Cybersecurity Incident Action Checklist (6 pgs, .pdf) is a "rip and run" document that outlines actions your utility and IT staff can take today to achieve cybersecurity and resilience.”
All types of incident checklists are available on EPA’s water utility response website.
EPA is holding a small systems webinar on three lead and copper topics: Lead and copper rule revision (LCRR), Chemistry of Lead Corrosion and Release, and Copper Corrosion: Copper Release to Pitting Attack.
Date: February 23, 2021
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. CST (optional Q&A from 2:30 – 3:00)
Registration
Note: After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
To find continuing education opportunities, please view the “Training Calendar” at programs.iowadnr.gov/opcertweb/ Training events where Iowa DNR staff will make presentations are listed below with the presentation name in the description. Also included are training events provided by EPA where Iowa CEU are granted, or events sponsored by Iowa DNR. See the listing on the appropriate date on the Training Calendar for registration instructions. Look at the calendar often, as there are new opportunities posted throughout the week.
- February 16, EPA R7 Module 1 AWIA Workshop, virtual. 1.5 hours CEU, WT or WD. Registration.
- February 17, EPA R7 Module 2 AWIA Workshop, virtual. 1.5 hours CEU, WT or WD. Registration.
- February 18, EPA R7 Module 3 AWIA Workshop, virtual. 1.5 hours CEU, WT or WD. Registration.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with state and local officials to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and has transitioned employees to work remotely. DNR offices are closed to the public during this time and only available by appointment.
In another effort to further reduce the spread of COVID-19, the DNR is encouraging the use of the online services for submitting applications, payments and other daily tasks and interaction with DNR staff.
We thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time. If you need to contact DNR staff you can reach them by email or phone or by calling 515-725-8200.
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