Estimating water quality benefits: an econometric analysis.

Presents a generalized demand model for recreation sites that permits an evaluation of the recreation benefits associated with changes in the water quality designations assigned to specific sites. Extends the Vaughan-Russell work in two respects. First, it provides a theoretical basis for a varying parameter, travel cost demand model for recreation sites. In addition, the model permits the estimation of recreation benefits from improving any one of the characteristics of an individual recreation site. Uses a survey of residents of the Monongahela River valley in Pennsylvania to illustrate the potential uses of the model by measuring the benefits associated with alternative use designations for 13 recreational sites along the river.-from Authors