In Roanoke Valley, Va., Water Cybersecurity Changed Post-9/11

After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, heightened concern over the security of the nation's food and water led to more protective measures.

At the time, the Western Virginia Water Authority didn’t exist — it was created in 2004, when the city of Roanoke and Roanoke County consolidated their water and wastewater operations.

The water authority has also partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, for several years.

Plus, you can still tour a facility, as long as you call the water authority and set something up first.

Shirley said the water authority values getting to show people how the system works.