The government has launched a new initiative to improve the taste of local tap water as it strives to increase the consumption of tap water.
“We have delivered on our promise to provide the best tap water this country has ever had. Now, we want to see Maltese families fully embrace this resource by installing activated carbon filters that further improve taste. Government will be helping people to acquire these filters,” Environment and Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said on Thursday.
Backed by significant improvements in water taste across the Maltese islands, the use of a simple activated carbon filter will make drinking tap water easier. Through the Regulator for Energy and Water Services, an updated tap water scheme was also launched, Dalli’s ministry said in a statement.
The initiative, launched under the theme “Iftaħ u Ixrob” represents a pivotal moment in Malta’s water management history, introducing unprecedented improvements in water distribution.
During the launch, the Water Services Corporation (WSC) announced that, through the investments carried out in recent years, Malta and Gozo are now reaching a uniform taste of water across the islands. Whereas in the past, taste varied from one locality to another, today water harmonisation is being achieved everywhere. This has been made possible through a substantial investment in the potable water network.
Following upgrades by WSC, Malta’s tap water continues to exceed the strictest European standards for safety and taste. Major enhancements to the national water supply include a 30% reduction in chlorides and chlorine levels; having over 70% of supply now sourced from reverse osmosis, ensuring superior quality; having a unified water quality zone for consistent taste across all localities; and opening a 60% grant (capped at €100) on household activated carbon filters, administered by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS).
WSC CEO Karl Cilia highlighted the Corporation’s technical breakthroughs: “Through years of dedicated work and EU co-funded projects, we’ve reached water quality standards that rank Malta among the top 20 countries worldwide for tap water safety. With significant investments across the network, we have now significantly improved taste, harmonising it across the islands.”
The grant scheme for activated carbon filters will commence on March 26, 2025. According to REWS CEO Ing. Marjohn Abela, this measure “empowers families to enhance tap water’s taste by removing residual chlorine while retaining all the benefits of a modern, meticulously monitored supply.” The tap water initiative replaces the water guard scheme with the grant increasing from 40% to 60%. Meanwhile, the existing Reverse Osmosis schemes remain unchanged, reflecting Government’s commitment to consumer choice.
Speaking at the launch, Superintendent for Public Health Prof. Charmaine Gauci reassured that tap water was always safe to drink. Now, taste is being addressed. “There was the perception that water was not good due to its taste. Tap water was and is still safe, but now the taste is also being made better,” she stated.