Residential Water Demand under Alternative Rate Structures: Simulation Approach
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 136, Issue 3
Abstract
Econometricians have long studied the effect of price on residential water demand and the impact on water use of the rate (tariff) structure in which price signals are embedded. This paper applies an existing deductive model of residential water use for the intermittent supply system in Amman, Jordan and simulates demand responses across a cross section of households over many uniform, increasing block, and linear price (quadratic charge) rate structures at historically low and significantly higher prices. Results show inelastic piped water demand responses for all rate structures at historically low prices similar to findings from a prior econometric study for Amman. However, piped water demand turns more elastic when prices rise above with uniform rates showing the most elastic response. But results also highlight several complications to determine and interpret price elasticity of demand under different rate structures. They also illustrate trade-offs among rate structures and rate structure components for key rate-setting objectives such as to encourage water conservation, recover costs, promote efficiency, and more equitably allocate costs among users.
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Acknowledgments
Anita Milman, Arthur Caplan, and several reviewers made helpful comments to improve earlier drafts.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 136 • Issue 3 • May 2010
Pages: 395 - 402
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 8, 2008
Accepted: Aug 11, 2009
Published online: Aug 13, 2009
Published in print: May 2010
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