Following best practice in stated preference guidelines we use
scientific information to develop a realistic hypothetical scenario for
stormwater management and water quality improvements in a stated
preference valuation survey. We then provide different treatment levels
of the scientific information to survey respondents. Using a hybrid
choice model, we find that scientific information has no direct
influence on referendum votes in favor of a stormwater management
program. However, different levels of scientific information have an
indirect influence by changing concern about stormwater runoff or by
changing perceived understanding of the stormwater management plan. Both
of these effects have implications for valuing a stormwater management
plan. We suggest that researchers should be aware of how their choice on
the information provided may influence responses to a stated preference
survey.