Malta’s Tap Water Safe: WSC CEO Confirms

Karl Cilia, the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Services Corporation (WSC), has assured the public that Malta’s tap water is both safe to drink and subject to ongoing improvements. During an interview on Andrew Azzopardi’s show on RTK103, Cilia provided insights into the quality and management of Malta’s water supply, highlighting recent changes and future plans aimed at enhancing the water’s taste and safety.

Water Source and Quality Improvement

Traditional Water Sources and Current Trends

Historically, Malta’s water supply consisted of approximately 35% groundwater, with the remainder derived from reverse osmosis (RO). However, due to the depletion of groundwater tables and the presence of various organisms, there has been a shift towards increasing the proportion of water obtained through RO processes. This shift is intended to improve the overall quality of the water by reducing the levels of limescale and other impurities.

Reduction of Limescale and Chlorides

Cilia explained that groundwater in Malta tends to have a high limescale content, which has historically affected the taste of the tap water. To address this issue, the WSC has been reducing groundwater extraction and increasing the use of RO water. As a result, the limescale content in the water has decreased from 500 milligrams per liter to 350 milligrams per liter, leading to a noticeable improvement in taste.

Chlorine Levels and Distribution Network

Previously, due to the extensive length of Malta’s water distribution network, higher levels of chlorine were added to reservoirs to ensure the water reached the end of the pipes with adequate disinfection. This often resulted in a strong chlorine taste for those living near the reservoirs. Today, the WSC has adopted a more precise method of chlorination, injecting chlorine directly into the water based on need, significantly reducing the chlorine taste and improving overall water quality.

Addressing Sewage Overflow Issues

Sewage Overflows and Public Health

Cilia addressed concerns regarding recent sewage overflow incidents in various bays. In the case of St George’s Bay in Birzebbugia, an overflow from a public toilet was identified and resolved, despite public toilets not falling under the WSC’s jurisdiction. Similarly, at St George’s Bay in St Julian’s, a broken connection from a commercial entity led to sewage entering a stormwater canal, causing significant odors in the area. In such cases, public health authorities are responsible for managing the impacts.

Maintenance of Sewage Infrastructure

The WSC oversees the main drainage systems in the streets but is not responsible for connections to individual homes or commercial properties. Cilia noted that issues such as blockages in the sewage system can sometimes result from improper disposal of items like towels or wipes, which are not suitable for the drainage system. To address this, the WSC is launching an educational campaign to inform residents about appropriate disposal practices.

Future Investments and Enhancements

Investment in Sewage Infrastructure

To address the growing needs of Malta’s population and to accommodate tourism, the WSC plans to invest approximately €310 million in upgrading the sewage network over the next decade. This investment aims to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the sewage system, ensuring it can effectively manage current and future demands.

Promoting Reclaimed Water Usage

Secondary Water: Challenges and Opportunities

Cilia highlighted the increasing demand for reclaimed water, also known as secondary or new water, which is derived from sewage treatment plants. Although technically safe to drink, European Union regulations prohibit the consumption of reclaimed water. The WSC is working with the Ministry for Agriculture to manage the allocation of this water for agricultural use, addressing past resistance from farmers and reducing instances of misuse.

Efforts to Reduce Water Wastage

Historical and Current Water Wastage

In the 1990s, Malta experienced significant water wastage, with approximately 4,000 cubic meters lost every hour. Today, this figure has been reduced to 360 cubic meters per hour, demonstrating significant progress in water management. The WSC’s Infrastructure Leakage Index currently stands at 1.8, a substantial improvement from the 20 recorded two decades ago.

Innovations and Future Goals

The WSC is also focusing on minimizing water wastage through the use of artificial intelligence systems and advanced technologies. These efforts aim to further reduce leakage and optimize water production, ensuring that Malta’s water resources are utilized efficiently.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Improvement

Karl Cilia’s remarks underscore the WSC’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality water to Malta’s residents. With ongoing improvements in water treatment processes, infrastructure investment, and educational initiatives, the WSC aims to address current challenges and prepare for future demands, ensuring that Malta’s water remains a reliable and valued resource.

FAQ

What is the source of Malta’s tap water?
Malta’s tap water traditionally comes from 35% groundwater and 65% reverse osmosis, with a current emphasis on increasing RO water usage.

How has the WSC improved the taste of Malta’s tap water?
The WSC has reduced groundwater extraction and increased reverse osmosis water, lowering limescale and chloride levels to improve taste.

Why was there a strong chlorine taste in the past?
Higher chlorine levels were added to reservoirs to ensure water quality over long distances, resulting in varying chlorine taste for residents.

What caused the recent sewage overflow at St George’s Bay?
The overflow was due to a public toilet’s sewage system malfunction in Birzebbugia and a broken connection from a commercial property in St Julian’s.

What is the WSC’s role in maintaining sewage infrastructure?
The WSC is responsible for the main drainage systems in streets but not for connections to homes or commercial entities.

What is the WSC doing to prevent blockages in the sewage system?
The WSC is launching an educational campaign to inform residents about proper disposal practices and prevent blockages caused by items like towels and wipes.

How much is the WSC investing in sewage infrastructure?
The WSC plans to invest €310 million over the next decade to upgrade Malta’s sewage network.

What is reclaimed water, and can it be consumed?
Reclaimed water is treated wastewater that is technically safe to drink but is not allowed for consumption under EU regulations.

How has water wastage been reduced over the years?
Water wastage has decreased from 4,000 cubic meters per hour in the 1990s to 360 cubic meters per hour today.

What technologies are being used to reduce water wastage?
The WSC is employing artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to minimize water wastage and improve efficiency.