Contact: Garrett Haertel, PE, District Engineer
(408) 384-6131 or engineering@mcwd.org
District Awarded State Cybersecurity Grant
Funding to be Used to Lessen Risk of Threats
Marina Coast Water District was recently awarded a $215,000 grant from the California Office of Emergency Services. This funding is a significant boost for MCWD, which, like other public and private organizations, faces a myriad of cyber threats. However, unlike many others, MCWD provides two critical community services—water and wastewater—that must operate without fail, 24/7.
Over the past five years, MCWD has successfully secured over $13 million in grant funding to support a wide range of essential activities, ensuring that these funds do not need to be sourced from customers.
With this latest grant, MCWD is set to elevate its already robust cybersecurity programs to new heights. The funding will be used for comprehensive vulnerability assessments and penetration testing across its systems. Additionally, there will be new and increased actions to protect data and enhance encryption practices. These initiatives and others will align MCWD with the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, further strengthening the District's ability to defend itself from emerging cyber threats.
MCWD is committed to providing reliable and sustainable water and wastewater services to its diverse customer base, which includes residential, commercial, city, military, and university customers. The District is also proactive in addressing future challenges such as climate change, population growth, and environmental protection.
To achieve these goals, MCWD employs wide-ranging risk mitigation actions. This includes cybersecurity measures, such as backup power supplies, storing large amounts of water, ensuring redundant systems, and conducting regular training and practice drills.
The District is proud to be the recipient of this award to strengthen our cyber preparedness.