Works to start on Gozo reverse osmosis and ‘new water’ network for south of Malta

A tender for the development of a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis in Gozo has been awarded by the Water Services Corporation, together with a €10 million tender to distribute ‘new water’ in the south through a 43km network and 242 dispensers. 

Both projects form part of an EU-funded €130 million project. 

The Gozo reverse osmosis was awarded to Israeli firm AST Clean Water Technologies for €11 million. AST has worked on projects in Europe, China, the USA, South America, and Africa. The Gozo project received the green light from the Planning Authority on 27 September and works will start as soon as possible. 

The RO will produce 9,000 cubic metres of fresh high-quality water daily. The island has so far depended on ground water and a submarine pipeline from Malta. This investment will offer the island of Gozo a secure supply, drastically-improved quality, while ensuring the sustainability of the island’s water table. 

The plant reaches impressive efficiency levels using just 3.1kWh per cubic metre, produced at a cost of 40 cents.  

WSC chief executive Richard Bilocca said water supply in Gozo will be “second to none in terms of quality, security, efficiency, and sustainability. From day one upon completion, Gozitans, and the increasing number of visitors to  Gozo will start benefiting from an improved service.” 

Another important link in this comprehensive project is the distribution of polished, treated sewage water for re-use for agriculture. The €10 million project will provide solid connections in a number of areas including parts of Xghajra, Zabbar, Kalkara, Marsaskala, Zejtun and Marsaxlokk. 

“The Water Services Corporation has worked on the concept of providing a viable, high-quality alternative to groundwater abstraction for many years. The fruit of all the research and in-house design and construction by WSC’s technical experts is already helping and will continue to help Malta’s environment and water sustainability, when at the same time giving a new lease of life to the agricultural community,” Bilocca said.