Evaluation of Multiple Benefits of Artificial Streams Augmented with Recycled Water Using Conjoint Analysis

This study aims at evaluating multiple environmental and educational benefits of artificial streams augmented with recycled water using conjoint analysis. The survey was carried out at Tadotsu Town in Japan where recycled water is used for augmenting artificial streams to restore habitats for firefly regarded as a symbol of “clean water” and to provide opportunity for environmental education such as firefly-watching. Marginal willingness-to-pay for the artificial streams for preserving habitats for firefly, securing hygienic safety to allow body contact, enhancing landscape and providing opportunity for environmental education were estimated at 4,419 Japanese yen (JPY) (US$44), 1,375 JPY (US$14), 4,094 JPY (US$41) and 918 JPY (US$9) per household per year. Those who knew or visited the streams had higher marginal willingness-to-pay for preserving aquatic habitats. And those who attended firefly-watching had high marginal willingness-to-pay for both of preserving aquatic habitats and securing hygienic safety. The results indicated the importance of education at the streams such as firefly-watching for public understanding in habitat preservation and hygienic safety of recycled water.