Assessing value of water purification services by Kelantan Forest Reserves

Abstract

Forest acts as natural water purification agent that is very effective in providing clean water resources to consumers, especially for domestic use. Clean water from natural purification processes would lead to a reduction in water treatment costs at treatment plants. This service is important for safety, assurance of resource availability and health. Hence, the aim of this paper is to assess the value of purification services by Kelantan forest reserves. The assessment is based on economic benefit using the benefit transfer approach of cost functions model with input for environmental values. Assessment enclosed for Kelantan main basin, namely Pergau, Lebir and Galas Basin. Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) data and forest land use information are used as the main data input for the analysis. Results show that basins with more virgin forest have lower treatment cost reduction in WTPs. Hence, the conservation of forest reserves as water catchment areas is important to ensure the availability of clean water especially for domestic uses.