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municipalauthorities.org | 3 Reprint permission: Some articles may be available, in whole or in part, for reprint; however written permission must be obtained by contacting Jennifer Case at case@municipalauthorities.org . Statement of ownership: The Authority is published bi-monthly by the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, 1000 North Front Street, Suite 401, Wormleysburg, PA 17043. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Authority at this address. Advertising & Sales questions: Mandi E. Glantz, CAE at glantz@municipalauthorities.org. Comments/Questions: Jennifer Case at case @ municipalauthorities.org. Copyright© 2024 by the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Statement of facts and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. Publication of articles and advertisements does not reflect any direct or implied endorsement of the author’s views. The Association reserves the right to edit and/or provide graphic content to support articles or information printed or provided in this publication. Douglas E. Bilheimer Publisher Jennifer L. Case Editor Mandi E. Glantz, CAE Advertising Kimberly A. Wenrich Layout & Design October 2024 Volume 56, No. 5 Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association 1000 North Front Street, Suite 401 Wormleysburg, PA 17043 Phone: 717-737-7655 Fax: 717-737-8431 info@municipalauthorities.org municipalauthorities.org facebook.com/pamunicipalauthorities linkedin.com/company/ pamunicipalauthorities/ As we observe Cybersecurity Month this October, it is important to note the escalating cyber threats targeting water and wastewater systems. As cyber attackers become more sophisticated, authorities, more than ever, need to be vigilant in understanding and addressing their operational vulnerabilities and to safeguard their systems from evolving digital threats. This edition of The Authority focuses on recognizing potential cyber risks in management and operations and provides proven practices authorities can implement to enhance their systems’ resilience. Another area of technological advancement is AI (artificial intelligence) and how authorities are utilizing this emerging technology to gain efficiencies, improve processes, and potentially save costs in daily operations, strategic planning, and communication efforts. Understanding this technology, (including its challenges and advantages) and implementing it equips authorities in harnessing a powerful, cutting-edge tool for progress and success. E ditor ’ s N ote