Malta’s Potable Water Revolution
Exclusive Interview: Chef Gregory Garimbay
April 13, 2025The Maltese Islands are set to enter a new era of premium tap water. By Karl Cilia, Chief Executive Officer, Water Services Corporation.
Malta's potable water quality has undergone years of transformation. I'm proud to share how our recent technological advancements combined with aggressive infrastructure investments have revolutionised tap water quality across our islands, making it not just safe, but enjoyable to drink.
The Taste Revolution
Our breakthrough in water quality management has yielded exceptional results, with a 30% reduction in both chlorides and chlorine levels. The average chloride content has been drastically reduced to 250 mg/l, from over 550 mg/l in previous years. While we've successfully decreased chlorine content to further improve the chemistry of the water, we maintain precise levels to ensure optimal disinfection and complete microbiological safety of tap water – without introducing unwanted by products by over disinfection. This scientific approach to water treatment demonstrates our commitment to delivering water that not only tastes better but remains fully protected whilst being transferred from reservoirs to your kitchen tap.
This significant improvement has been validated by Yale University's Environmental Performance Index, ranking Malta among the top 20 countries globally for drinking water safety.
The final step to enjoy potable tap water: carbon filtration
While domestic reverse osmosis systems have become popular in Maltese households, we're excited to highlight a more efficient and cost-effective solution: activated charcoal filtration. These simple filters offer several advantages over traditional RO systems:
• Preserve essential healthy minerals that RO systems typically remove
• Require minimal maintenance
• More environmentally friendly
• low cost solution
• No water wastage compared to RO systems connected to drain
Unified quality zones
For the first time in Malta's history, we've achieved quality consistency across all water zones. Whether you're in Mellieħa or Marsaxlokk, the water quality and taste remain constant. This uniformity is backed by:
• 24/7 real-time monitoring
• Advanced water purification systems
• State-of-the-art reverse osmosis plants
• AI-driven quality optimization
• Comprehensive distribution network improvement
Gozo's state-of-the-art reverse osmosis plant in Hondoq
Looking ahead:
Our unprecedented €310 million investment represents more than just numbers – it's a testament to our commitment to Malta's robust water future. This investment is driving a comprehensive transformation of our water infrastructure, introducing cutting-edge technologies that enhance water quality at every step. In our treatment facilities, we're implementing next- generation treatment systems that deliver consistently pure, great-tasting water. Our monitoring capabilities have evolved to include artificial intelligence and real- time analysis, ensuring water quality is maintained 24/7 across every zone in Malta and Gozo.
We're systematically upgrading our distribution network with smart infrastructure that reduces water loss while maintaining optimal pressure and flow. Most importantly, we continue to push the boundaries of water quality improvement, building upon our successful 30% reduction in chloride levels. These aren't just incremental changes – they represent a fundamental shift in how we deliver water to your tap, ensuring every drop meets the highest international standards while maintaining the natural mineral content found in our water tables.
The economic and environmental impact
The transition to potable tap water represents a transformative opportunity for both our economy and environment. Primarily, tap water is way more economical than bottled water, offering substantial savings for both households and businesses. This economic advantage becomes even more compelling when considering the minimal investment required for a simple activated charcoal filter, which enhances the natural taste and removes the taste of chlorine, while preserving all essential minerals.
The environmental implications are equally significant. Malta's consumption of bottled water currently results in millions of plastic bottles being produced annually, contributing to our waste management challenges and marine pollution. By embracing tap water, we can dramatically reduce this burden plastic in all forms is having on the environment.. The environmental benefits extend beyond waste reduction – the elimination of bottle production, transportation, and recycling processes significantly decreases our carbon footprint. Consider the energy saved when we no longer need to manufacture, transport, and refrigerate bottled water across our islands.
Our unprecedented €310 million investment represents more than just numbers – it's a testament to our commitment to Malta's robust water future. This investment is driving a comprehensive transformation of our water infrastructure, introducing cutting-edge technologies that enhance water quality at every step. In our treatment facilities, we're implementing next- generation treatment systems that deliver consistently pure, great-tasting water. Our monitoring capabilities have evolved to include artificial intelligence and real- time analysis, ensuring water quality is maintained 24/7 across every zone in Malta and Gozo.
We're systematically upgrading our distribution network with smart infrastructure that reduces water loss while maintaining optimal pressure and flow. Most importantly, we continue to push the boundaries of water quality improvement, building upon our successful 30% reduction in chloride levels. These aren't just incremental changes – they represent a fundamental shift in how we deliver water to your tap, ensuring every drop meets the highest international standards while maintaining the natural mineral content found in our water tables.
The economic and environmental impact
The transition to potable tap water represents a transformative opportunity for both our economy and environment. Primarily, tap water is way more economical than bottled water, offering substantial savings for both households and businesses. This economic advantage becomes even more compelling when considering the minimal investment required for a simple activated charcoal filter, which enhances the natural taste and removes the taste of chlorine, while preserving all essential minerals.
The environmental implications are equally significant. Malta's consumption of bottled water currently results in millions of plastic bottles being produced annually, contributing to our waste management challenges and marine pollution. By embracing tap water, we can dramatically reduce this burden plastic in all forms is having on the environment.. The environmental benefits extend beyond waste reduction – the elimination of bottle production, transportation, and recycling processes significantly decreases our carbon footprint. Consider the energy saved when we no longer need to manufacture, transport, and refrigerate bottled water across our islands.
Ta' Kandja groundwater gallery
Hospitality sector evolution
Looking ahead, we are developing an exciting initiative that will transform how the hospitality sector embraces Malta's improved tap water quality. The WAW-approved programme will recognize establishments that champion sustainability through tap water service, acknowledging their role in reducing plastic waste while offering patrons high-quality drinking water.
This initiative, currently in its final planning stages, will be designed specifically for Malta's unique hospitality landscape, taking into account the distinct needs and opportunities of our local market. Restaurant owners who participate in this upcoming program will be recognized as pioneers in sustainable hospitality practices, setting new standards for environmental responsibility in our industry. We look forward to engaging with the hospitality sector in the coming months to shape and refine this initiative together.
We invite all residents and businesses to experience firsthand the transformation in our water quality. In line with our commitment to making quality tap water accessible to all, we are collaborating with REWS (Regulator for Energy and Water Services) to develop incentive schemes for households interested in purchasing activated charcoal filters.
These simple yet effective filters enhance the natural taste of our improved tap water while preserving essential minerals – a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional RO systems. For more information about our water quality improvements and details about the charcoal filter incentive scheme, visit waw.com.mt
Looking ahead, we are developing an exciting initiative that will transform how the hospitality sector embraces Malta's improved tap water quality. The WAW-approved programme will recognize establishments that champion sustainability through tap water service, acknowledging their role in reducing plastic waste while offering patrons high-quality drinking water.
This initiative, currently in its final planning stages, will be designed specifically for Malta's unique hospitality landscape, taking into account the distinct needs and opportunities of our local market. Restaurant owners who participate in this upcoming program will be recognized as pioneers in sustainable hospitality practices, setting new standards for environmental responsibility in our industry. We look forward to engaging with the hospitality sector in the coming months to shape and refine this initiative together.
We invite all residents and businesses to experience firsthand the transformation in our water quality. In line with our commitment to making quality tap water accessible to all, we are collaborating with REWS (Regulator for Energy and Water Services) to develop incentive schemes for households interested in purchasing activated charcoal filters.
These simple yet effective filters enhance the natural taste of our improved tap water while preserving essential minerals – a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional RO systems. For more information about our water quality improvements and details about the charcoal filter incentive scheme, visit waw.com.mt
