Inaugural U.S. WASH Convening
In May 2024, DigDeep and Vessel™ hosted the first-ever U.S. WASH Convening, bringing together more than 300 leaders from over 100 organizations to confront the water and sanitation crisis in the United States. This landmark event created a first-of-its-kind space—uniting voices across the nonprofit, utility, philanthropic, research, and private sectors. Tribal leaders, utility managers, engineers, youth advocates, and federal agencies including the White House, EPA, and USDA gathered in Washington, D.C. to share strategies, elevate lived experience, and chart a collaborative path forward.
Across three days of keynotes, workshops, and regional breakouts, participants built new relationships and aligned around a shared vision: a future where every person in the U.S. has access to clean, running water and safe sanitation. The convening also launched regional working groups to drive local action between gatherings. Going forward, the U.S. WASH Convening will take place every two years—sustaining momentum and building the long-term infrastructure needed to close the water gap for good.
Shaping Federal Action On Water Access
From legislation to national advisory roles, DigDeep is helping ensure water access becomes a top priority in Washington. In 2024, we supported the introduction of the WASH Access Data Collection Act, and our work was cited in Senate hearings and agency communications throughout the year.
We advised the EPA on wastewater needs and helped expand their pilot program to 150 communities. Our research was also cited in the Administration’s $6 billion announcement for water infrastructure. Our Chief Program Officer was appointed to the National Drinking Water Advisory Council, strengthening DigDeep’s role as a trusted voice in shaping national water policy.
Strenghtening the U.S. WASH Sector
As the movement to close the U.S. water gap gains momentum, DigDeep is helping connect the dots between local action and national change. In 2023, we co-founded Vessel™—a collective of U.S.-based WASH organizations working to build a more coordinated, collaborative sector. That work expanded in 2024 through shared policy efforts, strategic alignment, and the launch of regional working groups at the U.S. WASH Convening.
We also deepened collaboration with key government agencies and associations across the country—partnering with the EPA, USDA, environmental regulators, and utility networks to better align resources and expand access. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a more unified WASH sector—one capable of scaling solutions and reaching every household in the United States.
Elevating WASH in High-Income Countries
DigDeep is helping shift how water inequality in high-income countries is seen, understood, and addressed. In 2024, we co-developed UNC’s first-ever High-Income Countries WASH Day, bringing together voices from the U.S., UK, Canada, and beyond.
At World Water Week in Stockholm, we participated in four events—the largest-ever showing of U.S.-focused sessions—and held strategic partner meetings to expand global understanding and investment. We also began new collaborations with state environmental leaders, associations, and international experts, building the foundation for broader systemic change.
