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Residential Water Consumption: A Cross Country Analysis

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Listed:
  • R. Quentin Grafton

    (Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, Australia)

  • Tom Kompas

    (Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, Australia)

  • Hang To

    (Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, Australia)

  • Michael Ward

    (Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, Australia)

Abstract

Survey data from 10 OECD countries are used to model household water demand. Statistically significant results include: (1) an inelastic average price response is estimated for every country; (2) households not charged volumetrically consume more water than households that are; (3) household size, residence size, higher education, full-time employment and household income increase water consumption; (4) attitudinal characteristics do not have a statistically significant effect on consumption but increase the probability of undertaking water saving behaviors; and (5) promotion of water saving behaviors would be more effective if households faced a volumetric water charge.

Suggested Citation

  • R. Quentin Grafton & Tom Kompas & Hang To & Michael Ward, 2009. "Residential Water Consumption: A Cross Country Analysis," Environmental Economics Research Hub Research Reports 0923, Environmental Economics Research Hub, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, revised Aug 2009.
    • Handle: RePEc:een:eenhrr:0923
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • Q25 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Water
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General

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