Review and critical assessment of the legal framework for groundwater in Malta

Abstract

Malta does not have many fresh water resources. However, it does not suffer from a lack of drinking water, as its needs are met through the use of groundwater and through a network of reverse osmosis plants, built over the past twenty years. But, in view of the local hydroclimatological conditions, including low rainfall and high evapotranspiration rate, the relatively dry season, small surface area, irregular topographic relief and the characteristics of the acquifers, Malta has limited natural water resources which have to be duly safeguarded.