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The Magnitude and Costs of Groundwater Contamination from Agricultural Chemicals: A National Perspective

Elizabeth G. Nielsen and Linda K. Lee

No 308032, Agricultural Economic Reports from United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Abstract: The drinking water of an estimated 50 million people in the United States comes from groundwater that is potentially contaminated from agricultural chemicals. Approximately 19 million of these people get their water from private wells, which are most vulnerable. Findings (based on analysis of synthesized data sources) suggest that potential contamination follows regional trends. Evidence indicates that pesticides and nitrates from fertilizers do not necessarily occur together in potentially affected areas, implying a need to target strategies. First-time monitoring costs range from $0.9 billion to $2.2 billion for households with private wells (mostly in rural areas) and approximate $14 million for communities with community groundwater systems.

Keywords: Environmental Economics and Policy; Health Economics and Policy; Resource /Energy Economics and Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 43
Date: 1987-10
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (52)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uerser:308032

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.308032

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