Factors affecting people's willingness to pay to improve water quality in Bung Xang canal, Can Tho city

Abstract

Bung Xang canal, heavily polluted and stinky at low water levels, is located in the metropolitan Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city. In this study, we conducted field water quality measurements using the AquaTROLL 500 device and interviewed 60 people living along the Bung Xang canal. The DO, pH, TDS and EC indicators show that canal water is more polluted at low water than at high water levels (p < 0.05). For both high and low water levels, the values of indicators at VT1 (the narrowest upstream canal section right in front of the College of Environment and Natural Resources) were always more polluted than at VT4 (the section adjacent to Bung Xang Lake). According to a survey of 60 households, the main factors affecting the willingness to pay (WTP) for improving the canal’s water quality are demographics, health, economics, environment, and policy. The results are the basis for decision-making agencies when creating solutions to clean polluted canals in Can Tho city.