Exploring heterogeneous responses of residential water consumption to lawn size: Insights from a novel parcel‐level dataset

Brandli Stitzel and Rex Pjesky

Southern Economic Journal, 2025, vol. 92, issue 2, 662-675

Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between residential water consumption and lawn watering, considering precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, and lawn size. This paper uses a unique dataset comprising water‐billing information, parcel features, and weather data to explore how lawn dimensions drive water usage. The findings highlight the necessity of considering these factors in models of residential water demand and informing water conservation strategies. Two general findings emerge: Summer water consumption increases by 37% with a 10% expansion in lawn size, and monthly usage drops 52 gallons for each extra centimeter of precipitation in the preceding 30 days. Furthermore, the study examines the heterogeneity of responses among homeowners with varying household characteristics. The paper shows that newer homes have water consumption more strongly influenced by lawn size during summer, and higher‐value homes with larger lawns exhibit greater sensitivity to lawn size in the summer.

Date: 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1002/soej.12764

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:soecon:v:92:y:2025:i:2:p:662-675

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