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From EPA Region 7, 5/11/2021
The gas pipeline ransomware attack on the east coast that is still disrupting service is a reminder for water supply systems to help prevent such an attack on their system.
“Some of the steps that even the smallest of water systems can apply to their computer system security:
Basic Ransomware Recommended Mitigations:
- Change passwords when employees leave the water system
- Backup data regularly, keep offline backups, and verify integrity of backup process.
- Keep software updated. Install software patches so that attackers can't take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities.
- Use two-factor authentication and strong passwords.
- Ensure anti-virus and anti-malware solutions are set to automatically update and regular scans are conducted."
Reminder: There is still space to attend these workshops, with very timely topics for small systems.
In a small systems collaboration of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Partnership for Safe Water, two May workshops will be held to assist Iowa public water supply system serving fewer than 10,000 people.
Session 1: Cybersecurity
Date/Time: May 18, 2021, 9:00 a.m. – noon, CDT
“Participants will learn how to recognize cybersecurity threats, how to complete the self-assessment questionnaire, and utilize the AWWA cybersecurity controls for small systems. Based on the cybersecurity self-assessment and cybersecurity controls for small utilities, participants learn how to identify at-risk areas and how to apply that with USDA to get the funding started. All participants receive dedicated, follow-up technical assistance and helpful documents from AWWA.
Session 2: Optimizing and Accessing Funding from USDA, including self-assessment to prioritize operations, asset management, source water protection, etc., and how to apply for a USDA low interest loan.
Date/Time: May 19, 2021, 9:00 a.m. – noon, CDT
Only one registration is needed for both sessions.
WD or WT CEUs provided (3 continuing education hours per session); no fee
Registration
The Fiscal Year 2022 Intended Use Plans (IUP) for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) are now available for public review and comment at the following locations:
Clean Water SRF
Drinking Water SRF
The IUPs cover the period of July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022. Public comments are welcome. Draft project lists are also available for review.
A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. via conference call. Participants should use the following call-in information to participate:
PHONE: 1 475-558-0367 PIN: 426 442 662#
Written comments will be accepted through Thursday, May 20, 2021. It is anticipated that the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission will act on the IUPs at their June 15, 2021 meeting.
Questions and written comments should be directed to Theresa Enright, SRF Coordinator, at 515-725-0498 or theresa.enright@dnr.iowa.gov.
From Iowa DNR, 5/12/2021
“After a very dry month of April in much of Iowa, concern is growing for potential drought conditions this summer. The Iowa DNR and the IDALS, along with other State and Federal partners, will be hosting a Zoom Webinar to update stakeholders on current and projected conditions in Iowa. Statewide conditions will be discussed, with the focus on western and northwestern portions of the state. … Presenters will be available for questions during the meeting, and presentation materials will be posted after the meeting.
Date and Time: May 26, 2021 10:00 AM CDT
Link to join the Zoom webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83117646624?pwd=SE9FUno3aGhTTkJ6UHpyRmtoODkwdz09 Passcode: DNR21!
Or, use your mobile phone: US: +13017158592,,83117646624# or +13126266799,,83117646624#
Webinar ID: 831 1764 6624”
From EPA Region 7 and EPA Water Security Division, 5/12/2021
Note: EPA is administering this American Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) requirement in Iowa.
“EPA will host an AWIA webinar to review key topics and answer attendee questions from previous AWIA workshops, webinars, and presentations. A guest speaker from a small community water system (CWS) will speak about their experience completing and certifying their AWIA Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA). The target audience for this webinar are CWSs serving a population of 3,301 to 49,999 people who must certify their RRA by June 30, 2021.
Date and Time: May 20, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., CDT
Registration
If water systems would like more in-depth information on AWIA than what is to be provided in this one hour webinar, please access the EPA AWIA Workshop Recordings available on this website.”
From EPA Region 7 and EPA Water Security Division, 5/12/2021
“Water Utility Response On-The-Go is an innovative tool that consolidates information and tools that water utility responders may need during an emergency into an easy-to-use app. Features include local weather updates and advisories, emergency contact lists, and Incident Action Checklists for disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and drought. The updated app includes:
- A new open source framework to provide more fluid, intuitive, and user-friendly navigation;
- A redesigned look and feel with improved access to weather information;
- A streamlined damage assessment form with easy access to images and videos for documentation; and
- Enhanced app performance.
Search “EPA Response On-The-Go” in the App Catalog, App Store, or Google Play for Android users. More information can be found on this website.
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 or a federal agency 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.
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