Household willingness to pay for improved rural water supplies: A comparison of four sites

Abstract

The estimated willingness to pay for improved rural water supplies at four sites in the western United States ranges from $4.43 to $17.29 per household per month. These results are similar to other rural watersupply studies. The modeling results and comparison with previous studies indicate that the contingent valuation method can provide useful estimates of rural water supply benefits. This analysis provides information useful to private and public officials who must determine where limited funds should be spent for water supply improvements. Water suppliers and government analysts who do not have the resources to complete site specific valuation studies can use general benefit criteria and site specific factors presented in the analysis to target areas for water supply improvements. The range of benefits presented in the analysis can be used to help determine an acceptable level of costs for a proposed water supply project.