Appalachia Water Project
Appalachia Water Project
Water to the people.
A hundred years ago, McDowell County, WV was one of the wealthiest communities in the nation. Today, many folks here don’t have access to clean, running water.
The reasons are complicated: 100-year-old water pipes failing, contamination from local mines, the collapse of the local economy. Water access is a critical first step toward protecting the health of our neighbors and putting them back on a road to prosperity.
DigDeep is bringing clean, running water to hundreds of families right now—some for the first time ever—and we’re doing it from within the local community. Residents guide our efforts; our local staff serve their neighbors; and we work in partnership with local government and water utilities, with capacity-building in mind. Join us.
The Project
A locally-led solution:
Here’s how it works:
We’re extending new, high-pressure water lines to reach households deep within mountain hollers. When our work is finished, families will have working sinks and toilets at last.
Surveys
We meet with homeowners to understand their unique needs and to prep their houses for water service.
Water Lines
We're partnering with the county to build a network of water lines and service connections into more than 400 homes.
Plumbing
We bring water from the main line into the house, replacing failed plumbing and installing new fixtures like sinks and toilets where needed.
Local Staff
DigDeep's projects are developed from within communities. Our work is led by local professionals and creates high-paying jobs.
With support from:
The Problem
“People think that water is just... something. No, it's everything. If you don't have it, you're at a total loss.”
Tina, McDowell County Resident
median income of a household in McDowell County, WV
live below the poverty line in McDowell County
more than 2/3 of water systems in WV have the worst quality in the US
Our clients
drive long distances
for bottled water,
or get sick hauling it
from untreated mine shafts
and springs.
Connect with us by email: press@digdeep.org
Built with the support of foundations, partner corporations, and thousands of individual Americans like you.
Give clean, running water.
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