Evaluation of Economic Returns from Investment in Domestic Rural Water Development

摘要

The impacts of a rural water system on livestock productivity and production in two counties in South Dakota were investigated. Both members and nonmembers of rural water systems were surveyed to learn if there were differences between the two groups in number of livestock on hand, stability in numbers of livestock, effects of drought on livestock numbers, and changes in productivity because of an assured supply of quality water. About one-quarter of the rural water system members reported substantial increases in average daily gain due to the availability of good quality water. Approximately 10% reported decreased newborn mortality rates or decreased medicinal costs.