About
DigDeep (legally the DigDeep Right to Water Project) is a human rights nonprofit based in Los Angeles, California, working to ensure that every American has access to clean water and sanitation. The organization highlights that more than 2 million Americans still do not have a tap or a toilet at home, and it builds community-led water and wastewater solutions in the places where that gap is widest — the Navajo Nation, Appalachia, and the Texas border colonias.
Mission
DigDeep works to ensure that every American has water and sanitation access forever. Its impact model has four components: advance community-led solutions, develop an evidence base, mobilize America, and build an ecosystem of change.
What they do
- Navajo Water Project: brings hot and cold running water to families across New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
- Appalachia Water Project: connects households in rural West Virginia communities to clean water and sanitation.
- Colonias Water Project: serves Texas colonias, beginning with the community of Cochran.
- Research and advocacy: publishes national studies, maintains the US WaSH Sector Database to build advocacy infrastructure, and runs the Decentralized Wastewater Innovation Cohort for community-driven solutions, alongside workforce development programs.
History
DigDeep was founded in 2011 and began working in South Sudan, initially focusing on community-led water projects in South Sudan and Cameroon. After learning that millions of Americans lack access to clean, running water at home, it began working in the United States — becoming the only global WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) organization working domestically — and in 2016 shifted its focus exclusively to the United States.
Scale and impact
DigDeep's national study, Closing the Water Access Gap in the United States, documented that 2.2 million Americans live without running water or basic indoor plumbing. Its economic research report, Draining, found that allowing millions to live without water access costs the US economy $8.58 billion each year. The organization states that 100% of donated funds support its programs, with operating costs covered separately, and it holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a GuideStar transparency seal.
Financials
According to Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (fiscal year ending December 2025), DigDeep Right to Water Project (EIN 46-0686920) reported total revenue of $14,596,293, expenses of $16,679,425, and net assets of $22,229,885. Contributions accounted for about 94.7% of revenue. The IRS issued the organization's tax exemption in February 2013.
Governance
DigDeep is a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered at 110 W 11th St, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Founder George McGraw serves as Chief Executive Officer, with Anne-Marie Jones as President and Chief Operating Officer, per the most recent Form 990.