ABSTRACT
This is a case study of water vending and willingness to pay (WTP) for water in Onitsha, Nigeria (Whittington, Lauria and Mu, 1991). The study illustrates the use of two approaches to estimate WTP for domestic water supplies. Information on water purchases is used to define the private distribution system and revealed demand for potable water. In addition, a contingent valuation survey is used in a relatively simple, rapid manner to estimate household water demand behaviour. The data collected in both surveys provides policy-relevant information to water utility managers and can be used to help local water authorities make more informed decisions about how much to charge their customers.
