How do households living in arsenic-contaminated regions value safe drinking water in western Bihar, India?

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water is a critical concern, particularly in areas affected by arsenic contamination. In Bihar, an Indian state, 13 districts are facing groundwater contamination. The report of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India (2021), reveals that about 24 habitations from five districts of Bihar are affected by arsenic groundwater contamination, impacting about 71,946 population and their health and economic conditions. The objectives of the present study are to determine factors that impact households' WTP for arsenic-free drinking water and estimate the mean willingness to pay (WTP) for arsenic-free drinking water. The primary data from 300 households was collected following simple random sampling, and villages were selected through a multi-stage sampling method. The study uses a single-bound dichotomous choice method for WTP elicitation and applies a probit model to determine factors affecting households' WTP for arsenic-free safe drinking water. The mean WTP is estimated to be ₹ 216.68 per household/month, and results find that education, income, health expenditure, awareness level and high-risk exposure to arsenic are the most influential determinants of households’ WTP for arsenic-free drinking water. The influence of education and awareness level is positive, calling for conducting more awareness programs in the arsenic-contaminated areas in Bihar.