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Depletion, climate, and the incremental value of groundwater

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  • Suter, Jordan F.
  • Rouhi Rad, Mani
  • Manning, Dale T.
  • Goemans, Chris
  • Sanderson, Matthew R.

Abstract

Groundwater provides vital inputs to crop production and contributes to rural economies throughout the world. Research on the economic benefits associated with groundwater resources has typically focused on the impacts of groundwater availability on the profitability of agricultural production or on the non-market benefits associated with groundwater quality for human consumption. In this research, we use stated-preference methods to investigate the total economic value to agricultural producers of an increase in groundwater availability in the Ogallala Aquifer region. The contingent valuation method allows for estimation of values beyond agricultural profitability, including non-market values such as the ability to leave additional groundwater to future generations. We find a median willingness to pay (WTP) for an additional 100 gallons per minute of well capacity of $77 per well, and that this estimate depends strongly on current well capacity and climate conditions. For counties in hotter and drier regions of the aquifer with low well capacity, median WTP is significantly higher. These results are then used in conjunction with projections of future climate and groundwater availability to generate predicted changes in the WTP for additional groundwater across the aquifer. This research provides important feedback on how the benefits of additional groundwater availability are predicted to change as groundwater resources are diminished in a changing climate.

Suggested Citation

  • Suter, Jordan F. & Rouhi Rad, Mani & Manning, Dale T. & Goemans, Chris & Sanderson, Matthew R., 2021. "Depletion, climate, and the incremental value of groundwater," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:resene:v:63:y:2021:i:c:s0928765518303403
    DOI: 10.1016/j.reseneeco.2019.101143
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    2. Auci, Sabrina & Pronti, Andrea, 2023. "Irrigation technology adaptation for a sustainable agriculture: A panel endogenous switching analysis on the Italian farmland productivity," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Contingent valuation; Groundwater; Climate change; Ogallala Aquifer;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q25 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Water
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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