George McGraw, Founder & CEO of DigDeep, is a leading expert on water and sanitation access, with a focus on the United States. With over a decade of experience in the WaSH (water, sanitation and hygiene) sector, he has led significant field projects, policy initiatives and research efforts, including the influential report ‘Closing the Water Access Gap in the United States,’ revealing that over 2 million Americans lack tap or toilet access at home, with race as a key factor in water insecurity. The 2022 report, ‘Draining: The Economic Impact of America’s Hidden Water Crisis’, unveiled the annual cost of leaving the water access gap unsolved at a staggering $8.58 billion, while also highlighting that each dollar invested in closing the gap delivers an impressive nearly 5x return to the U.S. economy.

George’s impact extends well beyond research. He has also served as a Water and Power Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles, the nation’s largest municipal utility. His comprehensive approach to addressing water challenges in the U.S. involves collaborating with community members, government officials, and utility providers to innovate sustainable solutions that get Americans working taps and toilets. As an Ashoka Fellow, a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, and former Social Entrepreneur in Residence at Stanford University, George brings a wealth of expertise to the fight for water justice.