News briefing · Published
The Minnesota water cyberattack: how to keep safe water at home
What should I do if a water system cyberattack affects my tap water?
GIGAZINE, citing Reuters, reported a coordinated attack on more than 30 Minnesota water systems on July 26-27, 2026. Authorities said it degraded water operations but does not threaten water safety. Keep several days of drinking water and a way to purify water, and follow any local boil-water notice.
GIGAZINE, citing Reuters, reports a coordinated cyberattack on more than 30 local Minnesota water systems. ABC7 News reports that federal agencies have since warned other water utilities.
What happened
A coordinated attack on operational technology hit more than 30 Minnesota community water systems on July 26 and 27, according to MNIT. Reported effects included loss of pressure, boil water notices and some plants switching to manual operation. Authorities said the attack degraded water operations but does not threaten water safety. The FBI and CISA are investigating.
What it means for your home
A utility problem can happen for many reasons. A household reserve of drinking water and a way to purify water can help a family get through a boil-water notice or a loss of pressure.
What to do this week
- Store drinking water for at least several days per person.
- Keep purification tablets or a filter in your emergency kit.
- Save your utility's phone number and find its alert sign-up page.
- Learn how to boil water safely, and follow any local boil-water notice.
- Keep a few clean, sealed containers ready to fill.
For step-by-step water safety, read Make water safe to drink.
Sources
This briefing is general information, not medical, legal or electrical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.