REPORT: Value of Water Quality and Public Willingness to Pay for Water Quality Policy and Project Implementation

A report prepared by:
Steve Scheinert, Asim Zia, Jing He, Richard Kujawa and Christopher Koliba
Released: November 19, 2014
 
A recent report by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has indicated that approximately $156 million is needed annually for the next ten years for the State of Vermont to meet its obligations under the Clean Water Act, though confidence has declined in this estimate. Recent public opinion polling indicates that the most publicly-acceptable means for raising funds are through one-time development fees and annual stormwater fees. Further polling indicates that the median willingness to pay among Vermont households is $40 per year, when raised through water utility and vehicle registration fees. The polling also suggests that willingness to pay could be increased through outreach and education.
 
Full Report