Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2015TX482B

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Long-Term Residential Water Conservation Program in College Station, TX

Institute: Texas
Year Established: 2015 Start Date: 2015-03-01 End Date: 2016-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $4,965 Total Non-Federal Funds: $16,722

Principal Investigators: Adam Landon, Ronald Kaiser, Gerard Kyle

Project Summary: In this investigation the authors evaluate the efficacy of a large scale residential water conservation program in the city of College Station TX. Evaluation of residential conservation policy is critical in order to take adaptive management actions and meet the anticipated water savings from conservation projected in the state water plan. Specifically the authors determine the price elasticity of demand, impacts of residential irrigation system audits, rebates for technology upgrades, and a unique persuasive educational program on water use among residents of college station. The authors draw on 10 years of monthly metered household water use data from over 20,000 households to develop several models of residential demand. Results inform policy formation and effectiveness and are directly relevant to the implementation of the state water plan.