Abstract
This research evaluates monthly water consumption by single-family residential users in Collier County, Florida, before and during a period of utility-implemented programs intended to reduce usage under a state-declared drought period in 2007–2008. The research examines water usage data on individual billing statements for selected samples of residences to quantify changes in response to four interventions: a) county-wide restrictions, surcharges, and accompanying publicity; b) informational outreach briefings to homeowner associations; c) enforcement activities including fines for violators of restrictions; and d) observed enforcement, experienced by neighbors of residences that received fines. Results show the sample residences did reduce water use during the period of restrictions. Results did not detect substantial differences between residences exposed only to the base case county-wide restrictions, surcharges, and accompanying publicity and those subject to the enhanced interventions, fines and outreach. It is possible that publicity about fines and outreach that accompanied countywide restrictions influenced residents who did not directly experience those interventions, so that the small populations directly subject to the enhanced interventions did not change their behavior measurably differently than others subject only to the base case.
