Addressing the problem of water scarcity in Malta through policy making

Abstract

The problem of water scarcity in the Maltese Islands is lately becoming more evident, creating the need for greater awareness amongst the public and the urgency of effective policies. There are several reasons which led to such a problem in this European micro-state. The current situation of water in Malta is heavily characterised by quantitative and qualitative problems in water aquifers, reduced precipitation due to climate change, and water consumption that is continuously increasing. On a positive note, leakages within distributive systems were reduced, making it possible to meet demand with the same level of water production. Ideally, the interrelated aspects that include provision of water, its price and the level of cost recovery, are to be analysed holistically. However there is also the element of politics which makes it very difficult to raise prices of utilities. EU laws and policies acted as a guide when it came to designing national plans, with the Water Framework Directive being the most ambitious piece of EU legislation in the field of water. Until today, Malta has implemented two water catchment management plans. In addition, sub-national plans have also dedicated a number of measures to water management. Policy making is not possible without the continuous involvement of key stakeholders. The presence of a wide range of private consumers whose principal interest is that of maintaining price stability, might complicate the formulation of water policies. When increases in tariffs are proposed, the plans would most probably face harsh resistance. This is a problem which is practically inevitable due to the significant presence of politics within the environment of water policy. As a result, there is the need to formulate a national plan for water, which addresses both the technical and the political dimensions linked with water scarcity.