RESIDENTIAL WATER DEMAND OF SMALL COMMUNITIES IN NEW YORK STATE: A NOTE*

A number of studies have indicated that the demand for water is price elastic. This being the case, it has been argued that appropriate pricing policies would provide a means for conserving this valuable resource. The present study, however, reveals that the residential water demand of small communities in New York State is neither price nor income elastic and that conservation measures should focus upon alter-native procedures. Circumstances in Nebraska, however, are likely to be considerably at variance with those typical of New York, and it is suggested that a similar study carried out in Nebraska could be bene-ficial. t t