The Water Services Corporation launches its new website today to coincide with World Water Day 2007, which is celebrated each year on March 22.

The new site (www.wsc.com.mt) is more attractive, informative and user-friendly than before.

The WSC, set up in 1993 to take over from the previous Water Works Department, is responsible for the production and distribution of potable water and the collection and treatment of wastewater in the Maltese Islands.

The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.

Coping With Water Scarcity is the theme for World Water Day 2007. This highlights the significance of cooperation and the importance of an integrated approach to water resource management at both international and local levels. Some of the issues being addressed internationally this year are imbalances between availability and demand, the degradation of groundwater and surface water quality, intersectoral competition, interregional and international disputes, equity and rights, cultural and ethical issues. These issues all centre around the question of how to cope with scarce water resources.

Over the past few years, the WSC managed to reduce production of potable water from about 54 million to about 31 million cubic metres per year, while still satisfying increased demand from an ever-growing population. This was achieved through a rigorous leakage reduction programme. The corporation is in the process of upgrading its reverse osmosis plants to further increase efficiency and water quality. It is also building two wastewater treatment plants in Gozo and Mellieha, while the third and largest treatment plant will be built in Ta' Barkat, in the south of the island.