Economic evaluation of a rebate program for saving water: The case of Mesa

In July of 1984, the City of Mesa, Arizona, implemented a voluntary water development fee rebate program to encourage new home builders and owners to adopt water saving desert landscaping. It is concluded on the basis of benefit cost analysis that the program was successful for single-family residences. It was also found that the program financially favors multifamily development over single-family residential housing. Finally, it is concluded that the program may not be sufficiently publicized and may not appeal to high income home buyers.