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Estimating the effect of water quality improvement on public swimming
Author(s) -
Moore John L.,
Perin Dan E.,
Maiden Ben G.
Publication year - 1979
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/wr015i006p01323
Subject(s) - recreation , usable , environmental science , relocation , water quality , quality (philosophy) , usability , hydrology (agriculture) , computer science , engineering , ecology , geotechnical engineering , philosophy , epistemology , biology , human–computer interaction , world wide web , programming language
Water quality is an important factor in determining the attractiveness and usability of swimming areas. In order to estimate the gains in outdoor swimming that may result from water quality improvement, a 38‐state survey of present water‐quality‐related losses in usable beach capacity was conducted. Estimates of potential recreation gains were derived using capacity data in conjunction with a recreation simulation model. The model uses previously estimated recreation participation equations to estimate regional trip generation for outdoor swimming under alternate supply conditions. A probabilistic gravity model is employed to simulate the distribution of recreational activity under various increases in usable beach capacity. Extrapolation from three case studies suggests that an estimated 3.4–7.4% increase in present usable capacity could result in a 1.2–2.7% annual increase in swimming activity days, given the present rate of participation on a national basis. Results of the study also indicate that the increase in usable capacity could produce a 6–25% relocation of present swimming activity to improved beaches.