Greg Abbott Launches Project Watershed 250 to Protect Texas Water Systems

Governor Greg Abbott (R) and National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross launched Project Watershed 250, a joint initiative providing Texas water and wastewater utilities with free cybersecurity resources.

What is Project Watershed 250?

Gov. Abbott joined White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross in San Antonio to launch Project Watershed 250, an initiative designed to connect Texas water utility providers with federal and private-sector cyber defense resources at no cost.

The project combines federal and private-sector capabilities with state and local expertise to strengthen water systems and other critical infrastructure.

Gov. Greg Abbott: "Project Watershed 250 will connect water utility providers with cyber defense resources at no cost. Our communities and water systems will be better secured from the onslaught of cyberattacks."

Why focus on Texas water systems?

Many rural water providers lack the personnel and resources needed to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Project Watershed 250 is designed to help close that gap.

The six-month pilot will use cybersecurity resources to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses, with the initiative potentially serving as a model for expansion beyond Texas.

The program is intended to make Texas water systems harder targets for hostile foreign adversaries, including China and Iran.

What role will Texas Cyber Command play?

Texas Cyber Command will work with federal officials, local governments, and private sector partners to help protect critical infrastructure.

Abbott made establishing the command an emergency item during the 89th Legislative Session. The Legislature subsequently passed House Bill 150, creating what the governor's office describes as the largest state-based cybersecurity department in the country.

The command is responsible for defending state and local systems, coordinating incident response, and working with federal partners.

The Bottom Line

Project Watershed 250 will provide Texas water and wastewater utilities with free cyber defense resources while bringing government and private-sector expertise together to strengthen critical infrastructure against cyberattacks.