Determinants of Environmental Noncompliance by Public Water Systems (original) (raw)
2010, Contemporary Economic Policy
Whereas a large number of empirical studies have been devoted to analyzing determinants of environmental compliance (EC) by firms, less attention has been paid to EC by public water systems (PWS). To address this gap in the literature, this article uses data on compliance with maximum contaminant levels (MCL) under the Safe Drinking Water Act for 971 PWS in Arizona and identifies the characteristics of PWS that are associated with violation of MCL standards. Three main findings emerge from the analysis. First, larger PWS are more likely to violate MCL standards than smaller PWS. Second, publicly owned PWS have slightly higher probability of violating MCL standards than privately owned systems. Finally, PWS serving residential areas are more likely to violate MCL standards, as opposed to PWS serving school districts or office buildings. The results suggest that for ensuring safe water for people, effectiveness of monitoring policy, and an efficient utilization of resources, the environmental agencies may focus their monitoring and enforcement efforts on these water systems. (JEL K32, Q53) I. INTRODUCTION Water pollution is a serious public health risk. It is estimated that each year between 7 and 30 million people in the United States are affected by gastrointestinal illnesses from consumption of contaminated drinking water (Gelt, 1998). Also excessive nitrate concentrations in water supplies are the cause of "blue-baby" syndrome and can cause stillbirth *The authors appreciate the helpful comments of the editor and anonymous reviewers for this journal. We have immensely benefited from discussions with Rob Innes.
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