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Saving Water with a Nudge (or Two): Evidence from Costa Rica on the Effectiveness and Limits of Low-Cost Behavioral Interventions on Water Use

Author

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  • Juan Jose Miranda
  • Saugato Datta
  • Laura Zoratto

Abstract

The study uses a randomized controlled trial to test the impact of simple, inexpensive, and nonpersonalized behavioral interventions (or “nudges”) on water consumption in the context of a developing country. A descriptive social norm intervention using neighborhood comparisons reduces average water consumption in the first two postintervention months by 4.9 percent relative to the control group, while a planning postcard intervention reduces consumption by 4.8 percent. A descriptive social norm intervention using a town-level comparison also reduces water consumption by 3.2 percent, but this effect is not statistically significant. Finally, the study's one-time interventions continue to generate statistically significant reductions in water use for up to four months after they are implemented.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Jose Miranda & Saugato Datta & Laura Zoratto, 2020. "Saving Water with a Nudge (or Two): Evidence from Costa Rica on the Effectiveness and Limits of Low-Cost Behavioral Interventions on Water Use," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 34(2), pages 444-463.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:wbecrv:v:34:y:2020:i:2:p:444-463.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/wber/lhy025
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    Cited by:

    1. Stefano Clò & Tommaso Reggiani & Sabrina Ruberto, 2023. "Consumption feedback and water saving: An experiment in the metropolitan area of Milan," MUNI ECON Working Papers 2023-02, Masaryk University.

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