Cost-benefit analysis and equitable cost allocation for a residential rainwater harvesting system in the city of Austin, Texas. Issue 5 (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Hyun Woo; Li, Ming-Han; Kim, Hyun; Lee, Hye Kyung
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 32:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 749
• Page End: 764
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Austin -- rainwater harvesting -- cost-benefit analysis -- cost allocation -- incentives -- water recycling; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2015.1073142
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

Abstract: This study addresses the applicability and financial feasibility of residential rainwater harvesting systems in the city of Austin, Texas. A cost-benefit analysis is used to estimate the financial return for individual households with rainwater harvesting systems. In addition, a subsidy value that could be provided by the delay of a wastewater treatment plant expansion project is investigated. The findings suggest that a residential rainwater harvesting system would not be feasible without a sufficient subsidy. The estimated subsidy is also not enough to make the cost of the harvesting system effective; however, its multi-purpose benefits are not quantified.