Mandatory or voluntary water conservation: A case study of Iowa communities during drought

ABSTRACT:

Mandatory water conservation policies with a per-capita-based restriction proved more effective in reducing water consumption than voluntary policies in 12 Iowa communities during the 1977 drought. Policy-makers also perceived mandatory policies as more effective than voluntary policies. However, 2 of the 12 communities achieved substantial reductions in water consumption with voluntary policies when the credibility of the water shortages was reinforced by the communities' proximity to other communities where extreme shortages existed.