In his letter of August 9, Michael Camilleri raises important issues concerning water consumption in Malta.

He makes some valid points. However, he may not be correct in his generic statement about companies extracting excessive amounts of underground water, causing damage to the environment.

Since the 1950s, Simonds Farsons Cisk plc has made responsible use of three boreholes, duly registered with the authorities. Extraction from these sources is professionally monitored and it is stopped when rigorously established salinity levels are reached. Such extracted water, which makes up a minimal part of the company’s water usage, the bulk supply being government town water, needs further expensive interventions, through RO plants, before it can be utilised for washing of bottles and other secondary uses in the production of drinks.

The company is overall very careful with the use of water, practising valid policies of catchment, preservation in reservoirs and re-cycling. Farsons, over the years, has consistently and responsibly produced quality products, in the process satisfying local consumer needs and providing employment to hundreds of people.

The company will continue to behave correctly, particularly in respect of this important resource.

As such, the initiative of the Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs, in launching a Water Policy Document and a consultation process is welcome.