Closing the Water Access Gap in the United States
DigDeep
(
Non-governmental organization (NGO)
)
#SDGAction50709
Description
We believe closing the water access gap in the United States is an achievable goal. Our initiative takes a multi-pronged approach, understanding that water access will only be achieved through both grassroots initiatives, and intervention from federal, state, and Tribal governments. As an organization, we plan to expand our project locations into hotspots around the US, as well as improve the scalability and transparency of our work for local and regional organizations to be equipped to solve their own local gaps. We will continue to invest in research and the promotion of accurate and reliable data at all levels – both by advocating for every level of government to take responsibility, and to fill what we can through research and data gathering initiatives in the meantime. We commit to raising awareness and mobilizing organizations across the WASH space, government entities, and everyday citizens to understand and work to close the water access gap. This includes standing up a WASH sector in the US, based on the international space, to optimize best practices, pool resources, and create change.
Our organization believes that these initiatives will help advance water access and water equity in the United States. 2.2 million individuals in the US currently lack access to running water or basic sanitation in their homes. We cannot claim to have achieved SDG6 when many communities in the US are currently being left behind. DigDeep exists to help close this water access gap - which holds major ramifications for other SDGs linked to health, economic prosperity and equality. Water is an intersectional human need that impacts the whole of our well-being. We believe these efforts can serve as a model for other high-income countries experiencing similar challenges, particularly within rural, low-income, and systemically marginalized communities.
Our relentless pursuit, video detailing the water access gap issue in the US - and how water is life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUwU0v-R7BM
Our approach and impact model: https://www.digdeep.org/our-work
Featured media: https://www.digdeep.org/press
SDGS & Targets
Goal 6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
6.1
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.1.1
Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services
6.2
By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
6.2.1
Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water
6.3
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.3.1
Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated
6.3.2
Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality
6.4
6.4.1
Change in water-use efficiency over time
6.4.2
Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
6.5
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.5.1
Degree of integrated water resources management
6.5.2
Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation
6.6
6.6.1
Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time
6.a
6.a.1
Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan
6.b
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
6.b.1
Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management
SDG 14 targets covered
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Deliverables & Timeline
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
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Timeline
Entity
SDGs
Region
- North America
Other beneficiaries
Tribal communities, rural communities, low-income communities, BIPOC communities
More information
Countries
Contact Information
Kabir, Director of Policy & Coalitions