Water Security

Nations and economies rely on fresh water, but it is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. CSIS scholars present comprehensive policy solutions to the challenges water insecurity poses to U.S. geopolitical and economic interests, energizing the policy environment around the issue and providing constructive recommendations for necessary transformation.

Photo: tuastockphoto/Adobe Stock

Photo: tuastockphoto/Adobe Stock

Mapping Iranian Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Systems

Recent Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. water systems were months in the making. These charts combine press reporting and CSIS expert analysis to provide a clearer picture of the attacks and their impact on the U.S. water sector.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — August 18, 2026

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Photo: © Marco Bottigelli/GETTY IMAGES

The Futures Summit Day 1

April 10, 2026 • 8:30 am – 4:30 pm EDT
Hosted by Global Development
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Caitlin Welsh

Caitlin Welsh

Director, Global Food and Water Security Program
Katherine E. Bliss

Katherine E. Bliss

Director and Senior Fellow, Immunizations and Health Systems Resilience, Global Health Policy Center
Jon B. Alterman

Zane Swanson

Deputy Director, Global Food and Water Security Program

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Mapping Iranian Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Systems

Recent Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. water systems were months in the making. These charts combine press reporting and CSIS expert analysis to provide a clearer picture of the attacks and their impact on the U.S. water sector.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — August 18, 2026

State of Play

Did Iran Attack U.S. Water Systems?

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.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams — August 17, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
Cache Me If You Can

The Cyber Threat to U.S. Water Infrastructure

Lauryn Williams, Nikita Shah, and Caitlin Welsh join Will Todman on the State of Play podcast to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure remains vulnerable, how to respond, and whether there is enough evidence to attribute the attacks to Iran.

Podcast Episode by Lauryn Williams, Will Todman, Caitlin Welsh, and Nikita Shah — August 17, 2026

Photo: CSIS

Rethinking Water as a Frontline Security Risk

Water has emerged as a frontline security challenge. As scarcity, mismanagement, climate change, and conflict converge, water is being weaponized for geopolitical objectives worldwide. What can policymakers do to protect critical water infrastructure and mitigate risks?

Critical Questions by Franck Gbaguidi and Caitlin Welsh — August 5, 2026

The Futures Summit Day 1

Join us on April 10, 2026, for The Futures Summit’s in-person full-day forum as we unlock new opportunities for our sector and chart a more inclusive and resilient global development architecture.

Event — April 10, 2026

Preparing for the Consequences of Collapse in Cuba

CSIS experts explore the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cuba, and lay out recommendations for the United States and international community to address growing need on the island. 

Critical Questions by CSIS Scholars — April 9, 2026

Could Iran Disrupt the Gulf Countries’ Desalinated Water Supplies?

The countries of the Persian Gulf critically rely on desalination systems for their water supplies. The conflict with Iran puts these vital resources at risk. Tehran could attack desalination plants in a bid to widen the war and raise its stakes.

Commentary by David Michel — March 19, 2026

A New Landscape for Development

Join the CSIS Global Development Department for the launch of A New Landscape for Development. This event will examine recent U.S. foreign assistance shifts and what they mean for the future of global development.

Event — February 10, 2026