COVID-19 Response
We’re keeping the clean water flowing during the coronavirus pandemic.
It's still unsafe to enter our clients' homes, but they need running water now—so we're getting creative.
The families we serve are some of the most vulnerable to coronavirus in America.
They struggle to wash their hands and bodies. They are forced to break social distancing to haul water. They live far from healthcare facilities. The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) has upended the lives of all Americans, and that includes our friends and family across the Navajo Nation.
Here’s how we’re responding:
We’ve resumed installation of hot and cold running water using our contactless suitcase systems. Once restrictions have lifted, these systems will be upgraded to full Home Water Systems. We plan to install 112 systems in 2021.
We’re purchasing, distributing, and filling 1450, 275-gallon emergency drinking water tanks at homes without service. We’re elevating the portable tanks for easier use and to protect against contamination. We’re committed to filling every tank once a month.
We've temporarily expended our delivery routes to serve more than 1450 new Navajo households, an additional 1850 square miles of delivery area.
We’ve joined the Navajo Nation Water Access Coordination Group (WAC-G), where we support efforts to map, upgrade and advertise safe watering points across the Reservation.
We've partnered with our friends at Blue Triton to distribute 262,000 gallons of bottled water to about 30,000 people across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah through a massive network of local partners. That's nearly two million pounds of water.
We're helping out-of-work families pay their water and electric bills so that their services continue uninterrupted and they don’t fall behind on payments.
We’re continuing to employ our hourly water and solar techs, ensuring that their families have financial stability and access to 100% employer-paid medical coverage.
Our local managers are working around-the-clock to coordinate water deliveries, conduct system repairs, stock inventory, train staff online, and process data. We are fully prepared to bring clean, running water to as many people as fast as we can when social distancing is relaxed.
Now more than ever, every American deserves the right to stay home and stay safe. Running water makes that possible.
We’re tremendously grateful for the incredible leadership of the Navajo Nation, public healthcare workers, local and elected officials, other non profits, and mutual aid groups who have coordinated an unprecedented response to this crisis.
Geneva (64) turned on her tap for the first time right before COVID began.
Now more than ever, every American deserves the right to stay home and stay safe. Running water makes that possible. Pause for a moment and think of the families who are healthier and more resilient today because of your donation.
Running water is a lifeline.
You have helped us bring clean, running water to hundreds of Navajo families. They are healthier and more resilient because of you. They can wash their hands and bodies, sanitize their homes and prepare food. They can stay at home with their families, knowing that clean, safe water is just a tap away.
What a gift you are.
COVID-19 press and media.
Are you a member of the press who would like to cover our work? Connect with us by email: press@digdeep.org