
About this episode
Cyberattacks targeting water and wastewater utilities have been reported in at least a dozen states across the United States since late July. Although there has been no widespread contamination or immediate threat to public drinking water, it is a serious and apparently coordinated attack. Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams join Will Todman to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable, what can be done to respond, and if there is enough evidence to blame Iran.
State of Play audience survey
Nikita Shah, "The Cyberattacks on the U.S Water Sector and the Iran Question: Escalation or Opportunism?" CSIS, August 14, 2026.
Franck Gbaguidi and Caitlin Welsh, "Rethinking Water as a Frontline Security Risk," CSIS, August 5, 2026.
Lauryn Williams, "Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Systems" CSIS, August 4, 2026.
Get every episode summarized
Each time State of Play publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from State of Play

Is the U.S.-Philippines Alliance Really at a Historic High?
State of Play
Sep 11, 202624:00pending

Will Trump’s Pressure on Canada Break the USMCA?
State of Play
Aug 27, 202635:38pending

Is Cuba Nearing an Inflection Point?
State of Play
Aug 13, 202631:58pending

How Should the U.S. Counter China in the Pacific?
State of Play
Jul 30, 202635:23pending