The City of Rapid City was the target of a cyber incident involving one of the lift stations in its wastewater system, city officials disclosed, and is now working with federal cybersecurity authorities.
City officials said they discovered the attempt quickly and took precautions to protect the system. At no point was the city’s water or wastewater infrastructure placed in jeopardy, according to the city, and officials say Rapid City’s water supply remains safe and protected.
The city is working with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other federal partners.
“We continually take steps to ensure the continued security and reliability of our water and wastewater systems,” said Rapid City Public Works Director Mike Theis. “We want to assure residents our city water system remains safe and we are continuing to remain vigilant in monitoring for cyberattacks across city systems.”
Lift stations move wastewater uphill through a collection system in places where gravity alone will not carry it, making them a routine but essential piece of municipal utility infrastructure. Water and wastewater utilities across the country have drawn increased attention from federal security officials in recent years because many run on industrial control systems that were built long before internet connectivity was a design consideration.
City officials said they are unable to discuss specific details of ongoing cybersecurity or infrastructure security investigations.
For updates on Rapid City utilities and public works operations, visit rcgov.org.
