Baltimore City Department of Public Works

Profile narrative

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works supplies drinking water to Baltimore City and the surrounding counties. It manages the water system infrastructure that delivers this water to consumers. The infrastructure includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to monitor and control various processes. These PLCs help operators maintain visibility and control over the water system. The department regularly evaluates cybersecurity threats to its operational technology. It has taken steps to strengthen its defenses following warnings from U.S. cybersecurity officials about Iranian‑affiliated activity. These steps involve reviewing system configurations, updating passwords, and improving network segmentation. The agency also conducts staff training and incident response drills to prepare for potential cyber events. By maintaining a proactive security posture, the department aims to minimize the risk of disruption to water service. Its approach reflects a commitment to protecting critical infrastructure that supports public health.

The department’s service area covers Baltimore City and several adjacent jurisdictions, giving it a regional reach. As a municipal agency, it operates under the authority of the City of Baltimore government. Its primary mission is to provide safe drinking water to the communities it serves. This focus on water supply is a central aspect of its role as a public works department. The specialization allows the department to develop expertise in water system operations and operational technology integration. It maintains a workforce of engineers, operators, technicians, and support staff dedicated to water system operations. The agency’s assets are subject to routine inspection and maintenance to ensure long‑term reliability. Its cybersecurity program is tailored to the specific risks faced by industrial control systems in the utility sector. These characteristics define the Baltimore City Department of Public Works as a specialized public health agency with a strong emphasis on operational resilience. The organization’s structure and responsibilities are designed to support continuous, safe water delivery to the communities it serves.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.