Other valuation concepts arise from the uncertainty surrounding future uses and availability of the resource. A classification of these valuation concepts, along with examples, is presented in Table C-1. C.1 Use Benefits Estimating the benefits of clean water will depend upon several variables that describe the attributes of the resource and its uses. Where recreational activities are created or enhanced due to water quality improvements, the public will benefit in the form of increased recreational opportunities. Similarly, the cost of treating irrigation and drinking water to down stream users could be reduced if pollutant discharges were reduced or eliminated in a particular stretch of river.
Direct use includes both consumptive and non-consumptive uses.
Consumptive uses can be distinguished from non-consumptive uses in that the former excludes other uses of the same resource while the latter does not. For example, water is consumed when it is diverted from a waterbody for irrigation purposes. For example, commercial fisheries have a market value reflected by the financial value of landings of a particular species. By contrast, no market exists to describe the value individuals receive from swimming. Where market values are available, they should be used to estimate benefits.