Malta Water Resources Review
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The state of Malta’s water resources is poor. With the support of FAO, the Malta Resources Authority has been undertaking studies and consultations to articulate a national water policy and formulate a set of workable regulations. The rationale behind this process is that involving stakeholders will lead to a policy that is socially and politically acceptable and geared to tackling the complex water-related challenges facing the country. In addition, it is intended that the water polic y will ensure that Malta is in compliance with the European Union Water Framework Directive. This directive requires Malta to achieve the status of “good” by 2010. As part of the policy formulation process, a water resources review was conducted to: (i) assess the current status of water resources; (ii) evaluate the demand trends of different sectors; (iii) provide information; and (iv) identify opportunities for improving the sustainability, efficiency and equity of water resource m anagement. This review shows that, although the demand for groundwater is outstripping supply, there is scope to reverse current trends through demand management, supply augmentation and strategic protection of groundwater resources. Groundwater quality can be protected and the mean sea-level aquifer stabilized. Policies and practices to do this need to be based on accurate information and acceptance that solutions must be applicable in the long-term. As such, political consensus and cross-party support is vital. This review provides the basis for that consensus. Malta’s core water challenge is one of water governance.