Frischseminar: Daniel Salicath

Abstract: We use a randomized controlled trial in Bihar, India, to test the effectiveness of an information intervention about arsenic in groundwater that focused on raising awareness and recommending low-cost mitigation techniques. The intervention enhanced knowledge and increased adoption of healthy water treatment practices and reduced the use of unhealthy ones. We also find a sizable reduction in measured arsenic quantity in the primary drinking water source after the intervention. The results suggest low-cost and low-effort information interventions can be an effective tool to change behavior.