Nitrate pollution, intrusion of saline waters and over-extraction are just some of the challenges Malta is facing with regard to groundwater sources, according to a report just published.

The report is a strategic environmental assessment of the draft Water Catchment Management Plan. It is open for public consultation until next month.

The pollution of surface water from urban and industrial sources, such as waste water discharges, sewage overflows and direct discharges from industries are all contributing towards the pollution of surface water, the report says.

It delves into the nitrate contamination of surface waters through crop production and how surface and groundwater extraction is leading to the deterioration of freshwater flows in watercourse environments.

The report identifies two pivotal measures key to the achievement of the water management plan’s objectives. These are the setting up of an inter-ministerial water committee to oversee this plan’s implementation and the strengthening of environmental and planning regulatory processes to cater for the objectives of the EU’s Water Framework Directive. The report makes a number of recommendations, including the promotion of alternative methods for plant protection other than pesticides and establishing an advisory service for the farming community.

It also recommends linking the treatment of urban wastewater to other strategic measures, such as energy efficiency, sewage sludge treatment and disposal and the reuse of treated effluent to ensure its overall environmental effectiveness.

With regard to the development of proper infrastructure to increase the availability of water to agriculture, the report states this must be done in an environmentally sensitive way, particularly to safeguard biodiversity and the landscape value of valley systems and rural areas.

Moreover, it proposes the maintenance and proper management of valleys and calls for more enforcement in the harvesting of water rules for all new houses.

It urges a sustained awareness campaign about national water issues and the challenges they pose.

Comments on the report, which can be found at www.mepa.org.mt/topic-waterpc, will be received until December 15. They can be addressed to the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit, Office of the Prime Minister, Valletta. Otherwise, send an e-mail to karina.fiorini@gov.mt.