Innovative water rates as a policy tool for drought response: Two case studies from Utah, USA

Sowby, Robert B.; South, Andrew J.

doi:10.1016/j.jup.2023.101570

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 20 publications

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“…The only municipal water system to do any sort of modeling was Water System #3. They developed a model to help predict the amount of water in a given year to help plan for adaptable tiered water rates (Sowby & South, 2023). The main objective was to stay revenue neutral while promoting water conservation.…”

Section: Interviewees' Comments On Hydrologymentioning

confidence: 99%

A Qualitative Definition of Reliable Water Supply for Public Water Systems

Hopkins,

Sowby

2023

Preprint

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“Reliable water supply” does not have a clear definition in the Western United States, where water resources are limited and such a definition would be especially useful. In Utah, the three water agencies and 500 public water systems have no consistent method to define, evaluate, and report it, potentially leading to an inability to meet regulatory water demands. We propose a unified definition of reliable water supply for Utah’s public water suppliers that can also be used elsewhere. The qualitative definition we propose is necessary to precede quantitative evaluations, set policy, and provide consistency to water resources management. We derive our definition from a two-part qualitative analysis: 1) an extensive review of existing definitions in industry and academia and 2) semi-structured interviews with managers of six diverse Utah water utilities. We propose that water supply be defined by three overlapping components—hydrology, infrastructure, and governance—and that reliability be defined by the capacity of the limiting component.

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Section: Interviewees' Comments On Hydrologymentioning

confidence: 99%

A Qualitative Definition of Reliable Water Supply for Public Water Systems

Hopkins,

Sowby

2023

Preprint

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Identifying Conditions that Support the Provision of High-Quality and Affordable Urban Drinking Water in the US

Azizi,

Hornberger,

Baggio

et al. 2024

J. Water Resour. Plann. Manage.

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Equity implications of efficient water conservation programs

Azizi,

Barnes,

Anderies

et al. 2024

Environ. Res. Lett.

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Urban water management is increasingly challenged by the need to balance cost-effectiveness with equity considerations. This study presents a multi-objective approach to water conservation within the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD), analyzing a comprehensive dataset of water consumption and socioeconomic indicators across all single-family residences. We assess policy scenarios under two primary objectives: maximizing water savings to enhance economic efficiency and improving water affordability to promote equity. Our analysis reveals that while strategies focused on water savings reduce water use more efficiently, they tend to favor higher-income, predominantly white neighborhoods whereas prioritizing water affordability shifts resources towards lower-income, communities of color. The analysis of intermediate policy scenarios reveals the trade-offs and potential synergies between water savings and affordability. Our findings suggest that local water sustainability can be achieved by allocating resources to both high-demand and socioeconomically disadvantaged households. Highlighting the importance of integrating equity considerations into water management policies, this study provides insights for policymakers in crafting more inclusive and sustainable urban water management practices.

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Innovative water rates as a policy tool for drought response: Two case studies from Utah, USA

Cited by 5 publications

References 20 publications

A Qualitative Definition of Reliable Water Supply for Public Water Systems

A Qualitative Definition of Reliable Water Supply for Public Water Systems

Identifying Conditions that Support the Provision of High-Quality and Affordable Urban Drinking Water in the US

Equity implications of efficient water conservation programs

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