Floridians are willing to pay slightly more for water now if it means guaranteeing a future water supply.
According to a study by the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education, 69 percent of Floridians are willing to increase their water bill by 10 percent to protect Florida’s water moving forward. Residents’ inclination to spend predictably fell as the proposed increase grew. Only 7 percent approved of their water bill growing by 50 percent.
The online survey gauged Floridians’ attitudes and experiences with water quality and quantity, as well as their behaviors and willingness to conserve water. PIE Center Associate Director Alexa Lamm said the results showed Floridians understand the steep challenges the state faces with regard to water.
“The number of residents willing to pay a higher rate in their water utility bill than we expected,” said Lamm, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. “We didn’t expect so many Floridians to be willing to pay more now to protect services in the future.”
Although the survey didn’t explain how utility companies would allocate the money to protect the water supply, Lamm said Floridians’ willingness to invest in the state’s future water resources could have an impact among utility companies and legislators.
“Increased cost is something that utility companies need to consider as they think about developing practices that can ensure our future water supply,” Lamm said. “Increasing water bills slightly to allow for new developments such as incentive programs and water conservation education, which may be the way to go.”
The survey is part of the PIE Center’s series of public opinion research. Other topics include immigration reform, endangered species and food production practices.
