Comparing Pollution Where You Live and Play: A Hedonic Analysis of Enterococcus in the Long Island Sound

Abstract

Hedonic property value studies of water quality conventionally focus on water quality levels measured nearest a home. This study examines whether water quality at the nearest access point (i.e., a beach) matters more to local residents. We conduct a hedonic analysis of water quality in the Long Island Sound, where an aging infrastructure and heavy precipitation lead to frequent sewage overflows. The analysis focuses on bacteria contamination and beach closures at various access points and monitoring sites. Results suggest that decreases in water quality measured at the nearest beach yield a larger negative effect and impact homes at a farther spatial extent than previously suggested in the literature.