System reliability and water service decentralization: Investigating household preferences in Nicaragua

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Abstract

Concern continues to grow over unreliable water access at the household level in many developing countries. A contingent valuation survey was designed to elicit willingness-to-pay for safe and reliable drinking water in León, Nicaragua. In addition, split-sample treatments were used to investigate preferences for two forms of service governance: the current, centralized water supplier and a decentralized service implemented at the municipal level. Results show that households are willing to pay a substantial increase in their water bills for reliable water supply. Findings also indicate that households hold greater confidence in the current, centralized provider rather than a localized service based on several characteristics such as overall service, awareness of water issues, interest in solving water problems, capacity, accountability, and potential investment.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalWater resources management
Volume27
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2013

Disciplines

  • Economics
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

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