Texas will begin a six-month pilot program on Monday to test cybersecurity defenses for the state’s water systems, marking the first deployment of Project Watershed 250, a joint initiative between state and federal agencies. The program, announced by the Trump administration, will use artificial intelligence and cybersecurity tools to identify vulnerabilities in water utilities before they can be exploited by foreign adversaries.
The pilot will focus on connecting Texas water facilities with private-sector cybersecurity firms, including Microsoft, to conduct "red-teaming" exercises that simulate cyberattacks. These tests aim to stress-test existing defenses, pinpoint weaknesses, and implement corrective measures using advanced AI-driven solutions. The White House has framed the initiative as a scalable model that could be expanded to other states if successful.
Texas Cyber Command will collaborate with the White House and private companies to execute the program, which will operate at no cost to participating utilities. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) emphasized the importance of the effort, stating that clean drinking water is a top priority for Texans. "Project Watershed 250 puts federal, state, and private-sector cyber defenses behind our utilities at no cost," Abbott said. "The White House, the Texas Cyber Command, and industry now work from the same playbook."
The announcement follows recent reports of cyberattacks targeting water systems in Minnesota, where more than 30 municipal water and wastewater facilities were targeted in a coordinated hacking campaign. While the Trump administration has not attributed the Minnesota incidents to a specific actor, officials have previously indicated that Iran is suspected of involvement. The U.S. has not formally linked the Minnesota attacks to the launch of Project Watershed 250, though the White House acknowledged that the incidents underscored the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
A White House official confirmed that Project Watershed 250 is not a direct response to the Minnesota cyberattacks but serves as a broader effort to proactively secure critical infrastructure. The program is designed as a "proof of concept" to evaluate whether the model can be replicated nationwide. National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross stated, "President Trump is relentless in his work to secure our critical infrastructure against our most determined adversaries... This is a scalable cyber water pilot program."
The pilot will run for six months, during which time officials will assess the effectiveness of the AI and cybersecurity tools in real-world conditions. If the program meets its objectives, the White House plans to expand it to additional states, potentially establishing a nationwide framework for protecting water systems from cyber threats.