Game-Changing Research Shows How Smart Incentives Can Save Water and Fight Climate Change
BALTIMORE, MD, April 30, 2025 – As droughts worsen and water shortages hit communities worldwide, a new study in the INFORMS journal Decision Analysis has uncovered a smarter way to get people to save water – without breaking the bank.
Researchers found that raising awareness and using social influence can be more powerful than just offering cash incentives. The study, “Differential Game Theoretic Models for Designing Water Conservation Incentives,” shows how conservation groups can cut costs, maximize impact and make water-saving programs way more effective.
Key Takeaways:
- Teach people why water conservation matters – They’ll need less money to be convinced to save water.
- Target areas with high irrigation demand – The rising cost of water will push users to conserve anyway.
- Use social influence to make saving water “cool” – If influential people start conserving, others will follow.
“We’re running out of fresh water, and we need a better way to get people to conserve,” says Behnam Momeni of George Mason University. “This study gives us a playbook on how to do it smarter, faster and cheaper.”
The Science Behind Smarter Water Conservation
Using differential game theory (basically, a way to analyze how people make decisions over time), the researchers developed a model that helps organizations figure out who to incentivize, when and how. Their method is also faster than previous approaches, solving problems that used to take more than 24 hours, in just minutes.
Why This Matters NOW
Right now, major water sources such as the Colorado River are running dangerously low and governments are scrambling for solutions. This research provides a clear strategy for cities, farmers and conservationists to work together to make water-saving efforts that actually work.
“Water is life. If we don’t start using it wisely, we’re going to run out,” says Shima Mohebbi of George Mason University. “This model helps us plan for the future, before it’s too late.”
What’s Next?
This model could also be applied beyond water – helping with renewable energy incentives, climate action and sustainability efforts worldwide.
About INFORMS and Decision Analysis
INFORMS is the world’s largest association for professionals and students in operations research, AI, analytics, data science and related disciplines, serving as a global authority in advancing cutting-edge practices and fostering an interdisciplinary community of innovation. Decision Analysis, a premier journal published by INFORMS, focuses on advancing the theory, application and teaching of all aspects of decision analysis. Through its journals, conferences and resources, INFORMS empowers its community to enhance operational efficiency and make smarter decisions. Learn more at www.informs.org or @informs.
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