'Foreign actors' targeted small, private water providers in Colorado: Governor

The systems impacted served fewer than 200 people.September 18, 2026, 3:08 PM"Foreign actors" targeted small, private water providers in Colorado, according to the Colorado governor's office. "These two incidents consisted of individuals changing equipment settings, disabling remote access and alarms, and altering pumping cycles," according to a spokesperson for Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. "These were brief incidents and the risks were quickly addressed by the providers themselves, who subsequently alerted the state. To our knowledge, treatment processes and water quality were not impacted at either provider."The systems impacted served fewer than 200 people each. The office didn't say who the foreign actors are, but said they are aware of Iranian activity targeting water systems around the country. Colorado state flag.Adobe StockOver the summer, Iran was the prime suspect in the cyberattacks that hit water treatment and wastewater utilities, which can blind utility operators by changing passwords or disabling alarms, according to the sources, though its involvement has not been officially confirmed.Popular ReadsAt least a dozen states have reported possible cyber intrusions targeting water and wastewater utilities, multiple sources told ABC News.The FBI is urging utilities to disconnect systems from the internet where possible, use systems with breakers and become familiar with reverting to manual controls if automated systems are compromised.Dome of the Colorado Capitol Building with the state flag.Adobe StockSponsored Content by Taboola