PLYMOUTH - August 4, 2026 - Following a wave of high-profile cyberattacks on public water utilities across the nation, Plymouth officials are proactively strengthening the cybersecurity safeguards surrounding the town’s critical water and sewer infrastructure. Town Manager Derek Brindisi announced August 4 that the town’s IT department and Department of Public Works are partnering with engineering consultant Woodard & Curran to audit and fortify the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems that monitor municipal water pressures and supply levels.
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During the Town Manager’s report at last week’s Select Board meeting, Town Manager Derek Brindisi alerted the board and residents to heightened digital security protocols being implemented across Plymouth’s public utilities. The initiative involves direct collaboration between Plymouth’s IT Director, DPW leadership, and Woodard & Curran—the firm managing the town’s SCADA monitoring framework—to prevent potential cyber intrusions into municipal water supply and wastewater treatment operations. Brindisi noted that the town is also evaluating continuity-of-government protocols to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of an emergency.
“This is the day and age that we live, that we have to really think about protecting our water supplies through an IT infrastructure standpoint.” — Derek Brindisi, Town Manager
In addition to utility security, Brindisi briefed the board on a proposed pilot ferry service connecting Plymouth and Boston. Utilizing a $1 million state earmark, municipal officials are exploring potential routes and funding partnerships with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). While enthusiasm remains high for expanding regional water transportation, officials noted that operational costs are estimated at over $10,000 per trip, making state cooperation and subsidy essential.
