In deep waters because of illegal boreholes

The fact that freshwater is scarce in the Maltese islands is historically documented. The demand for such a valuable resource, be it from the commercial, agricultural or social sectors, is increasing by leaps and bounds. To meet the demand, the authorities had installed desalination plants heavily consuming fossil fuel, which is both expensive and harmful to the environment.

This development in terms of water supply may have led to distract the attention of the powers from the need be to focus on and constantly manage the natural water resource and, along the years, the problem became complex and more difficult to handle.

It eventually became evident that the limited natural underground water supply was being mismanaged through thousands of illegal, uncontrolled boreholes, increasing salinity in the process. Boreholes can be registered but no permits were issued to pump up water. There is no denying that many water tankers criss-cross both Malta and Gozo transporting water – even freshwater – to commercial and private entities, some to fill swimming pools, others to top up cisterns for watering gardens and feed turf sprinklers. Most, not to say none, of them do not sport any registration or permit number confirming the legality of their activities. Yet...

Official reports reveal the alarming increase of nitrates in the water table, resulting mainly from the leaching of farm animal manure. The use of insecticides, herbicides and fertilisers in connection with agriculture and landscaping is of no consolation either.

Many get hot under the collar when they see thousands upon thousands of litres of rainwater flushed from roof tops accumulating into storm water filling and flooding streets on its way to the sea. It is a precious resource, which legally should be directed to cisterns built according to the footprint of each building. But…

Substantial volumes of water used by households, offices and other entities is subsequently flushed down the drain. In many other countries, this resource is recovered, treated and polished even to first class water. If only second class water is recovered, it can take a lot of pressure off the natural water resource. Yet, unfortunately, instead of aiming to regain such a resource it is thrown into the sea.

The recent news that 200 illegal boreholes, used mainly to top up swimming pools and to water gardens, have to be plugged, cannot but be applauded. This is a step in the right direction, however small. There is, however, no denying that this is just a drop in the ocean and has to be followed by more austere bold measures, not just by one ministry or regulator but in an inter-ministerial effort. There is not one single justification for the free exploitation, indiscriminate use and waste of such a national natural resource with society paying a heavy price today and an exorbitant one tomorrow, the more so as climate change rears its ugly head.

More of such positive measures are eagerly awaited, supplemented by strict monitoring and enforcing. Fortunately, most of such responsibilities fall under the same ministry, incorporating the Malta Resource Authority, agriculture and climate change. It should therefore be somewhat easier to draw up an action plan, to implement, to monitor and to enforce but a concerted effort still remains a must.

A more technical approach to the management of such a resource is urgently needed. This is not just to accommodate any individual or individuals, or any entity or entities, but it is to ensure inhabitants will never miss the water till the well runs dry.