Building a Simple General Model of Municipal Water Conservation Policy for Communities Overlying the Ogallala Aquifer

On the United States' largest aquifer—part of the nation's Great Plains region—live 2.3 million people, most of whom depend on the Ogallala's water for household consumption, as well as for agricultural and industrial use. As the Ogallala's levels decline, policies must be developed to encourage conservation of this resource that are efficient, effective, and politically feasible. Using results from a survey of nearly 3,000 residents, we reveal and elucidate community attitudes in the region regarding water use and various conservation policies. The results indicate an overall awareness of the problem and willingness to accept certain restrictions on water use and price changes, within limits.