The effect of household income on residential wastewater output: Evidence from urban China

Whether and how governmental pollution regulations change pollution production behaviors remain uncertain. Based on the STIRPAT model, this paper confirms that from 2005 to 2015, the Chinese government's wastewater treatment service strengthened the positive relationship between income and wastewater output, that is, more wastewater treatment service led to more wastewater output. Thus, the current system for wastewater treatment fees must be redesigned so that residents can compensate for the cost of wastewater service. Additionally, the installation of smart water meters and awareness campaigns regarding water-saving and recycling are also helpful for urban wastewater management.