Abstract
While having many positive impacts, a tremendous economic performance and rapid industrial expansion over the last decades in the Philippines has had negative effects that have resulted in unfavorable hydrological and ecological changes in most urban river systems and has created environmental problems. Usually, these effects would not be part of a systematic assessment of urban water benefits. To address the issue, this study investigates the relationship between poor water quality and resident’s willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water quality in Metro Manila. By employing a contingent valuation method (CVM), this paper estimates the benefits of the provision of clean water quality (swimmable and fishable) in waterbodies of Metro Manila for its residents. Face-to-face interviews were completed with 240 randomly selected residents. Residents expressed a mean WTP of PHP102.44 (USD2.03) for a swimmable water quality (good quality) and a mean WTP of PHP102.39 (USD2.03) for fishable water quality (moderate quality). The aggregation of this mean willingness-to-pay value amounted to annual economic benefits from PHP9443 billion to PHP9447 billion (approx. USD190 million) per year for all taxpayers in Metro Manila. As expected, these estimates could inform local decision-makers about the benefits of future policy interventions aimed at improving the quality of waterbodies in Metro Manila.
Highlights
This paper provides a method of estimation of use value of improving surface water quality in Metro Manila waterbodies
The contingent valuation method (CVM) provides a broader way of assessing large numbers of amenities than other methods do, e.g., estimating the willingness to pay for improved water quality that might be planned but has not yet been provided
Recent years have been marked by growing concerns about water pollution in urban waterbodies of fast growing Southeastern Asian countries
Summary
The water quality in rivers, streams, lakes, and canals in many Southeast Asian countries has been deteriorating because of rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, especially in densely populated urban areas [1]. The main source for water pollution in urban waterbodies is the unregulated discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater. This has a detrimental effect on human health, recreational opportunities, and environment, and translates into economic costs. According to Philippines Environment Monitor, annual costs of the adverse impact of water pollution on the economy estimated PHP67 billion (more than USD1.3 Billion) [2]. The situation is alarming in Metro Manila, where waterbodies are heavily polluted
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
