Mean WTP to increase five ecosystem services
(dilution of wastewater, natural purification of
water, erosion control, habitat for fish and
wildlife, and recreation) along 45 miles of the
South Platte river was $21 per month in a higher
water bill. When the $21 is generalized to households
living along the river, this is sufficient to
pay for the conservation easements on agricultural
land along the river and the leasing of water
for instream flow. Thus, the policy to increase
ecosystem services meets the economic efficiency
criteria that the gaining public could compensate