Nevada Water and Wastewater System

The Nevada Water and Wastewater System provides drinking water supply and wastewater treatment services to communities within the state of Nevada. Its core functions include the collection, treatment, storage, and distribution of potable water as well as the collection, treatment, and discharge of wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources. As a water and wastewater utility, the organisation supports public health by ensuring that water meets safety standards and that wastewater is processed before release into the environment. The system operates as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, reflecting its essential role in maintaining reliable water services and protecting environmental quality. Its headquarters is located in the United States of America, placing it within the broader context of U.S. water sector entities. The organisation’s specialization lies in managing both potable water and wastewater streams, which requires expertise in treatment processes, distribution networks, and regulatory compliance with federal and state water agencies. While the available sources do not disclose specific size metrics such as population served or facility capacity, the entity’s designation as a water and wastewater system indicates a regional scope focused on Nevada’s municipal and industrial water needs.

In March 2021, the Nevada Water and Wastewater System experienced a cyber incident that involved spearphishing emails, the exploitation of outdated systems, and the use of insecure remote access pathways. The attack led to compromises affecting both information technology and operational technology networks within the organisation. Threat actors employed ransomware tactics and, according to the report, also leveraged insider threats to increase the likelihood of operational disruption. The intrusion highlighted particular vulnerabilities in control system devices and firmware that are commonly used in water treatment and distribution facilities. This event was noted as part of a broader pattern of malicious activity targeting water sector facilities, with the potential to disrupt service delivery or compromise safety mechanisms. The incident underscored the importance of strengthening cybersecurity resilience for water and wastewater utilities, particularly concerning legacy systems and remote access controls. Ownership details and any parent‑subsidiary relationships are not specified in the provided sources, so no assertions about organisational structure can be made from the available information.