Within the next few years, Malta will be commissioning three waste-water treatment plants which, when fully operational, will produce a reliable continuous supply of second-class water all year round, a supply that can be safely used for a variety of non-potable purposes by different sectors, Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit said yesterday.

He was addressing a seminar on “Sustainable Wastewater Management – Treatment at Source and Reuse” organised by FE Environmental (Malta) Ltd.

He said that countries in the Mediterranean region “are forced to search for other non-conventional sources of fresh water that can meet the needs of different sectors in the most economic manner possible”.

He said that Malta is so far dependent on groundwater and seawater desalination, almost in equal proportions and that treated sewage effluent is still used very sparingly, “notwithstanding the fact that it can easily replace other sources of non-potable water”.

He added that Malta must also strive to improve its operational efficiency in the water sector by using natural water resources in a sustainable way and conjunctively with other non-conventional sources of water supply.

“Re-use of treated sewage effluent is one of the options that, when diligently applied, does bring economic benefits to all stakeholders by improving efficiency and by enhancing the cost-benefit aspect through multiple uses.

“Individual water users in industry and agriculture, and I must also add, some of our public institutions, can improve their water-use efficiency and save on water by promoting better water-saving behaviour and, where possible, by introducing recycling treatment processes,” he added.

The minister said that the country’s present practices of water supply need continuous upgrading and subsequent reform.

“A balance needs to be struck between our environmental constraints and our socio-economic needs. Water issues are complex and concern everyone. It is imperative that we obtain the widest possible consensus among stakeholders if we want to succeed in implementing and bringing to fruition our water-related policies,” the minister said.