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Potential Water Use Conflicts Generated by Irrigated Agriculture in Rhode Island

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2017

Arthur Gold ,
Thomas Weaver ,
Edwin Porter  and
James Opaluch
Arthur Gold
Affiliation:
Natural Resource Sciences
Thomas Weaver
Affiliation:
Natural Resource Economics
Edwin Porter
Affiliation:
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
James Opaluch
Affiliation:
Natural Resource Economics
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Abstract

This study constructs a simulation model to evaluate the potential for conflict among residential and agricultural users of water in southern Rhode Island. The model estimates the profitability of irrigation of turf farms and projects the total use and the economic value of irrigation water. The results indicate that the economic value of irrigation water compares favorably with current residential water prices in the area. In addition, substantial demand for irrigation water is projected. Given current rates of growth in turf acreage and residential water use, there appears to be a significant potential for conflict, particularly given the absence of well developed institutions for allocating water among users.

Type
Articles
Information
Northeastern Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics , Volume 17 , Issue 1 , April 1988 , pp. 8 - 14
Copyright
Copyright © 1988 Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association 

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Footnotes

The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful comments by two anonymous reviewers. This research was funded by the Rhode Island Agricultural Experiment Contribution (AES Contribution #2403).

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