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Valuing the Cancer Mortality Risk Reduction from Lowering the Arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level in New Hampshire Municipal Water Supplies

Author

Listed:
  • Scott Lemos

    (University of New Hampshire, Department of Management)

  • John M. Halstead

    (University of New Hampshire, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment)

  • Robert D. Mohr

    (University of New Hampshire, Department of Economics)

  • Paul Susca

    (New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Drinking Water Planning & Protection)

  • Robert Woodward

    (University of New Hampshire, Department of Economics)

Abstract

This study uses a 2018 stated preference survey to elicit a willingness to pay (WTP) to reduce the cancer morbidity and mortality risk from arsenic exposure through drinking water. Respondents who use a public water supply are willing to pay $35.43 per month for the risk reduction associated with lowering the maximum allowable level of arsenic in drinking water from 10 to a hypothetical level of 3 ppb; households on private wells are willing to pay $29.19. Respondents from households with children were willing to pay significantly more than respondents from households without children. We derive values of a statistical life (VSL) of $4.61 million and $3.48 million per household member, respectively, in households using municipal or well water. Shortly after the initial release of these findings, New Hampshire became the second state to set a maximum allowable level for arsenic below the national limit of 10 ppb.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott Lemos & John M. Halstead & Robert D. Mohr & Paul Susca & Robert Woodward, 2020. "Valuing the Cancer Mortality Risk Reduction from Lowering the Arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level in New Hampshire Municipal Water Supplies," Environmental Management, Springer, vol. 65(6), pages 725-736, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envman:v:65:y:2020:i:6:d:10.1007_s00267-020-01288-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01288-3
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