A coordinated cyberattack on more than 30 Minnesota community drinking water systems this week is the latest in a growing number of cyberattacks on drinking water systems nationwide. Similar automated functions were affected at South St. Paul’s drinking water system, requiring they operate the system manually. And in Braham’s wastewater treatment plant, the wells that pump water to the local water tower were shut off. Minnesota has been grappling with cybersecurity as a growing drinking water threat for several years after a 2023 investigation by the federal Environmental Protection Agency found over 70% of inspected community drinking water systems throughout the country lack basic emergency response plans for cyberattacks. Claire Carlson is a Report for America corps member, covering drinking water for MinnPost in Minnesota.