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Water shortages and implied water quality: A contingent valuation study
Author(s) -
Genius Margarita,
Tsagarakis Konstantinos P.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/2005wr004833
Subject(s) - contingent valuation , economic shortage , willingness to pay , water scarcity , rationing , cistern , valuation (finance) , water quality , water supply , natural resource economics , water resource management , perception , business , economics , environmental science , environmental economics , water resources , environmental engineering , geography , microeconomics , finance , economic growth , psychology , philosophy , government (linguistics) , ecology , linguistics , biology , archaeology , health care , neuroscience
This paper analyses the extent to which households in an urban area are willing to pay to ensure a fully reliable water supply when the latter induces changes in drinking water quality. The water supply system in the city of Heraklion, Greece, is characterized by periodic water rationing, which is more pronounced in the summer months. The generalized use of cisterns and even water tanks helps residents cope with quantity shortages but has a negative effect on the quality of the water reaching their taps. The results of our contingent valuation show that respondents not affected by shortages and already drinking tap water have a smaller willingness to pay, while positive perceptions on quality have a positive effect.