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The Influence of Scientific Information on the Willingness to Pay for Stormwater Runoff Abatement

Author

Listed:
  • Peter A. Groothuis
  • Tanga A. Mohr
  • John C. Whitehead
  • Kristan A. Cockerill
  • William P. Anderson, Jr.
  • Chuanhui Gu

Abstract

We integrated physical science data with a social science survey to better understand people’s preferences for stormwater runoff abatement measures. Data from a long-term monitoring project on Boone Creek in North Carolina revealed that two key concerns from stormwater runoff are thermal pollution and high salinity. We used this data to develop text and images to include in a survey to assess public attitudes about and willingness to pay for stormwater runoff abatement measures in the Appalachian region. The survey provided information about various methods to reduce stormwater runoff including containment systems and permeable pavement. To assess the impact of scientific information on individual preference for stormwater runoff abatement, we randomly assigned different levels of scientific information to survey respondents. Our results show that having more detailed scientific information has two effects. The direct effect is to reduce willingness to pay for runoff abatement programs. Indirectly, the detailed information increases self-reported claims of understanding the information provided and those who claim to understand the information are more likely to be willing to pay for abatement measures. Key Words: stormwater management, stream water quality, scientific communication, stated preferences, willingness to pay

Suggested Citation

  • Peter A. Groothuis & Tanga A. Mohr & John C. Whitehead & Kristan A. Cockerill & William P. Anderson, Jr. & Chuanhui Gu, "undated". "The Influence of Scientific Information on the Willingness to Pay for Stormwater Runoff Abatement," Working Papers 17-05, Department of Economics, Appalachian State University.
    • Handle: RePEc:apl:wpaper:17-05
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    stormwater management; stream water quality; scientific communication; stated preferences; willingness to pay;
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