Interview – Michael Schembri, Chief Policy Officer for Water, Energy and Water Agency (Malta)

This interview delves into the unique challenges of water management on the island and the innovative strategies being implemented to ensure a sustainable supply amid growing demand.

What is the context of water management in Malta?

Malta’s water management challenges stem from a fundamental scarcity of natural water resources. The island receives limited rainfall, averaging only about 550 millimeters annually, with significant fluctuations from year to year. In fact, several years have seen rainfall totals fall below the long-term average. As a result, Malta faces a persistent shortage of naturally available water. This situation is further exacerbated by the island’s growing population and the influx of tourists, both of which drive water demand far beyond what the island’s natural resources can sustain.

What measures have been taken to limit this?

Over the years, significant measures have been implemented to address the disparity between Malta’s limited natural water resources and the growing demand. A key strategy has been to increase the water supply, primarily through desalination, which has now become the most crucial source of water for the domestic sector—a role that is expected to expand further.

Given the rising demand, relying on increased groundwater extraction is not sustainable, as groundwater remains our only renewable natural water resource. To protect this resource, we have either halted or imposed strict limits on groundwater abstraction. Instead, our focus has shifted towards expanding desalination capacity, adopting alternative technologies, enhancing rainwater harvesting, and restoring existing rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Equally important is the integration of water use within both urban and rural water management cycles, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable approach to meeting the country’s water needs.

What do you think of the importance of an organization like INBO to add more knowledge and extend information?

Regional organizations like INBO play a crucial role by enabling river basin district authorities to exchange experiences and best practices, particularly given the diverse contexts across the EU and the Mediterranean region. In many ways, we are fortunate that the European Union encompasses a wide range of environmental and socio-economic conditions, allowing managing authorities to tackle water management issues in varied and innovative ways. Sharing these diverse experiences and approaches is a valuable tool for enhancing the overall effectiveness of water resource management. INBO, in my view, offers an ideal platform for this kind of exchange, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement in water management strategies.

*Interview conducted during the 21st International Euro-INBO Conference, October 2023.