On Thursday, 31 October 2024, the Energy and Water Agency, alongside its partners, celebrated the latest achievements of the Alter Aqua project, an initiative focused on water conservation and sustainability in Malta. Supported by funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation, Alter Aqua has been instrumental in addressing Malta’s water challenges for the past 13 years. The event, held at Birgu Local Council, brought together key stakeholders, including Miriam Dalli, Minister for Environment, Energy, and Enterprise; Maria Micallef, CEO of GSD; Nikos Skondras, Senior Project Officer at GWP-Med; and Birgu Mayor John Boxall, who hosted the event.
In this recent phase, EWA coordinated efforts to restore three historic reservoirs, located at the Saint Lawrence Band Club and Auberge d’Angleterre in Birgu, as well as the Tabgha Foundation in Pieta. These reservoirs, once essential to local water systems, have been cleared of debris, structurally reinforced, and waterproofed to be fit for use again. Now operational, they provide a sustainable, decentralized source of non-potable water for secondary uses such as cleaning and irrigation. This initiative is part of EWA’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on desalinated and groundwater sources by promoting alternative water solutions that align with Malta’s water conservation goals.
The success of Alter Aqua is built on a collaborative framework involving EWA, GWP-Med, GSD, and The Coca-Cola Foundation. As the project leader, EWA has worked closely with GSD, representing the Coca-Cola system in Malta, to coordinate public and private partnerships. Together, these entities bring effective, on-the-ground water-saving projects to Malta’s communities, helping to advance Malta’s water security and conservation objectives.
Launch of the Alter Aqua Cottonera Reservoir Trail
At the event, EWA CEO Manuel Sapiano introduced the new Alter Aqua Cottonera Reservoir Trail, a first-of-its-kind project highlighting Malta’s hidden rainwater harvesting systems. Developed with the University of Malta and local NGO Il-Ġibjun, this trail is accessed via a specially designed web application that guides visitors through 12 historical stops around Birgu. By scanning their smartphones at each stop, visitors can explore ancient reservoirs dating back to the 16th century. The trail illustrates the historical significance of these reservoirs in flood control, water storage, and maritime trade, offering an interactive way for the public to connect with Malta’s water heritage. The project serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of traditional water conservation practices in the face of modern water management challenges.
A Model for Sustainable Water Management
During the event, Birgu Mayor John Boxall shared how a restored reservoir beneath Victory Square, completed in a prior phase of Alter Aqua, now collects rainwater used by the municipal water truck to irrigate the square’s greenery. This initiative exemplifies the potential for sustainable water practices within Maltese communities and aligns with EWA’s mission to promote efficient and environmentally responsible water use.
Alter Aqua serves as a model of sustainable water management, particularly for other Mediterranean islands facing water scarcity and the impacts of climate change. By preserving historical water systems and adapting them for current needs, the Energy and Water Agency, with the support of Alter Aqua’s partners, demonstrates how traditional practices can complement modern sustainability goals. This approach not only conserves water but also strengthens the resilience of Malta’s communities against future water challenges.
