Willingness to Pay: A Contingent Valuation Study in the McKenzie River Watershed
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Date
2019
Authors
Schurr, Andrew
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
Drinking water is a resource that touches all aspects of a community. It crosses nearly all boundaries and affects everyone with a tap. Quality, clean, water is an important piece of any community puzzle. But what happens upstream before we turn on the faucet? Protecting drinking water sources requires conservation and stewardship actions that extend beyond the municipal boundary or the treatment plant. Watershed protection activities funded through Payment for Ecosystems Services programs are an increasingly common mechanism for drinking water source protection. Willingness to Pay via Contingent Valuation is studied in order to determine funds collection systems and support among the affected population. This study examines the effects of the threat perception of climate change and wildfire, feelings about collaboration and communication, and levels of institutional trust on Willingness to Pay for Drinking Water Source Protection programs in the McKenzie River Watershed. The study sample population was comprised of ratepaying customers of the local public utility the Eugene Water & Electric Board in the City of Eugene, Oregon.
Description
52 pages
Keywords
Drinking Water, Willingness to Pay, Contingent Valuation, Watershed, Drinking Water Source Protection