Protecting water and wastewater systems from cyber threats is becoming an increasingly important consideration for infrastructure owners, particularly as utilities rely on connected operational technology and aging control systems. Parsons has joined Project Watershed 250, a pilot program focused on strengthening cybersecurity across critical water infrastructure.
Project Watershed 250 was unveiled Aug. 31 in San Antonio, with Parsons Chair, President and CEO Carey Smith participating in the launch. The pilot is intended to provide participating water utilities with cybersecurity capabilities covering assessment, remediation, mitigation and defensive testing.
Parsons brings experience with water and wastewater infrastructure, including programmable logic controllers, supervisory control and data acquisition networks, pump stations, valves and treatment facilities.
The program combines cybersecurity with engineering and operational technology expertise, reflecting the interconnected nature of modern utility infrastructure.
Parsons' involvement in the water cybersecurity initiative builds on work across other critical infrastructure sectors. The company provides cybersecurity services for Los Angeles World Airports, including vulnerability management, cyber audits and identity and access management.
Parsons also supports cybersecurity strategy for the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project, which involves construction of a new rail tunnel connecting New Jersey and New York and rehabilitation of the existing tunnel.
Additional technology and cybersecurity work includes digital modernization programs at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport, along with an on-call cybersecurity services contract for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.
The pilot highlights the growing overlap between physical infrastructure delivery and cybersecurity requirements. Water utilities, transportation agencies and other infrastructure owners increasingly must account for operational technology security alongside conventional engineering, construction and maintenance requirements.
For contractors and infrastructure developers, the development points to cybersecurity becoming an integrated consideration in projects involving connected control systems, treatment facilities, transportation assets and other mission-critical infrastructure.
Source: Parsons.
