One of the main tenders forming part of the Water Services Corporation ‘Net Zero Impact Utility’ project has been published.

The tender forms an integral part of the Pembroke - Ta’ Qali 9.5 km long, 3m wide tunnel and relates to the provision of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes.

The tunnel excavation and civil works tender is expected to the published in the coming weeks.

The tunnel project will be a crucial asset for the corporation and will allow it to link its largest Reverse Osmosis plant in Pembroke to the Ta’ Qali Group of reservoirs via large diameter mains.

This will ensure that all the blending potential of the RO water is exploited and pumping energy reduced to the barest minimum, thereby giving better efficiency and optimal environmental performance.

The water transferred from the Pembroke RO will be mixed with ground water at the Ta’ Qali group of reservoirs, sampled and finally treated to ensure an optimal quality blend.

Another large diameter water pipe will be installed to supply good quality blended water to the central part of the island through a centralised hub feeding mainly via gravity. This in full respect of the project’s net zero impact aim through which better service, efficiency and environmental performance will be guaranteed.

The pipes will be a first for Malta. The water pipes will comprise an 8km stretch of 1.2m diameter pipe.

These pipes are a technological feat in themselves at 6m in length and weighing around 1,500kg each. Another 6km main comprising both 80cm and 100cm diameter pipes will also be included. In total, around 3,000 tonnes of pipework and fittings will be laid in the tunnel.