CAPE MAY — The computer systems that help operate water utilities serving thousands of Cape May County residents—including the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May—were targeted in recent cyberattacks, but local officials say the region's drinking water remained safe throughout the incidents.
The City of Cape May Water and Sewer Department and the Borough of Woodbine Water Department both confirmed that hackers breached portions of their computer networks in recent weeks. While the attacks disrupted some internet-connected systems, officials emphasized that water treatment, distribution and water quality were never compromised.
The incidents highlight growing concerns among federal, state and local officials that America's water infrastructure has become an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals and foreign adversaries seeking to disrupt critical public services.
Federal authorities continue investigating whether the attacks are connected to a broader campaign targeting municipal water systems across several states. Some cybersecurity experts have suggested Iranian-linked hackers may be responsible, though no official attribution has been announced.
For Cape May County residents, officials stressed there is no indication the public water supply was ever at risk.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the cyberattacks primarily affected internet-based computer systems used to manage portions of utility operations. In some cases, hackers reportedly changed passwords and temporarily prevented operators from accessing certain computer controls.
Despite those disruptions, both municipalities said critical water treatment and monitoring systems continued operating normally.
No contamination of drinking water has been reported in Cape May County or in any of the other affected communities nationwide.
Critical Infrastructure Serving Thousands
Cape May Mayor Zachary Mullock said the city's water system is among the region's most important pieces of public infrastructure, supplying not only Cape May residents but several neighboring communities as well.
"Our water system is a critical regional asset," Mullock said in a statement.
In addition to the City of Cape May, the municipal water system serves West Cape May, Cape May Point, portions of Lower Township and the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May—the nation's only Coast Guard recruit training facility.
Because of that regional importance, Mullock said the city is working closely with state and federal partners to strengthen cybersecurity protections surrounding its desalination plant and other critical infrastructure.
"We are collaborating with state and federal agencies to defend against adversarial threats," Mullock said. "Every effort is being made to protect and defend our water supply and production systems."
Woodbine Credits System Design
Woodbine Mayor William Pikolycky said his borough's water infrastructure was designed to quickly identify unauthorized access attempts, limiting the impact of the attack.
"The system caught the outside access immediately and allowed us to resolve the issue quickly," Pikolycky said in a statement.
According to Pikolycky, the hackers were only able to disrupt communications with portions of the water system, while water production and delivery continued uninterrupted.
He noted that public water systems have increasingly become targets because attacks on essential infrastructure can quickly generate public concern.
Growing National Concern
Cybersecurity experts have warned for years that municipal water systems remain vulnerable because many rely on internet-connected equipment and aging infrastructure.
In recent years, utilities across the country have experienced attempted cyber intrusions targeting pumps, treatment equipment and operational control systems. While some communities outside New Jersey have experienced reduced water pressure or precautionary boil-water advisories following cyber incidents, officials said neither Cape May nor Woodbine encountered those problems.
The attacks nevertheless serve as a reminder that even smaller municipalities have become targets as cyber threats increasingly focus on critical infrastructure rather than private businesses alone.
Water Remains Safe
Although investigators continue working to determine who was responsible for the attacks, local officials emphasized that residents can continue using their municipal water without concern.
Officials from both communities said drinking water quality, treatment and distribution systems remained fully operational throughout the incidents, and they pledged to continue working with cybersecurity specialists and state and federal agencies to strengthen protections against future attacks.
For residents served by the affected systems, the message from local leaders has remained consistent: the cyberattacks disrupted computer networks—not the water itself.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
