Estimation of willingness to pay for wastewater treatment

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse residents' acceptability (willingness to use) of a wastewater treatment plant in their region and to evaluate citizens' Willingness to Pay (WTP) for the public provision of central wastewater treatment. We present a case study on rural and seaside tourist areas of the Municipalities of Lappaion, Georgioupolis and Krioneridas located in North-West Crete. For this purpose, a double bound dichotomous choice format contingent valuation study was conducted where members of 326 households were interviewed with face to face interviews. Mean WTP was found to be 44 € to be paid as an additional charge on the water bill, which is considerably higher than the estimated amount needed for the investment.