Public consultation on the Significant Water Management Issues for Malta’s 4th River Basin Management Plan
The Energy and Water Agency and the Environment and Resources Authority, have launched a six-month public consultation on the Significant Water Management Issues (SWMI) for Malta’s river basin district, marking a key step in the preparation of the 4th River Basin Management Plan (2028-2033) under the EU Water Framework Directive.
This consultation is being carried out according to the requirements under Article 14 of the Directive, which mandates Member States to publish an interim overview of key water management issues for the new planning cycle.
The document identifies the most critical pressures affecting Malta’s water environment and will guide the development of the Programme of Measures to be included in the next River Basin Management Plan.
Key water management issues
The priority areas were identified through an initial assessment aimed at linking key pressures to the status of Malta’s water resources. This process was further informed in-depth consultation with government ministries, authorities, and key stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated and evidence-based approach. Together, these findings highlight the main challenges preventing Malta’s water bodies from achieving good ecological and chemical status.
The consultation outlines six priority issues:
1. Management of groundwater use, addressing over-abstraction and saline intrusion;
2. Increasing strain on natural water resources, driven by climate change and rising demand;
3. Impacts from rural and urban runoff, including flooding and transport of pollutants;
4. Point source pollution from identifiable discharges and infrastructure;
5. Diffuse pollution, particularly from agriculture and urban activities; and
6. The need to strengthen public awareness and stakeholder engagement.
A more targeted approach for the next planning cycle
Building on previous RBMPs, the 4th cycle adopts a more focused approach by prioritising a smaller number of main issues directly linked to the most significant pressures on water bodies. This shift is intended to support the development of more targeted and effective measures. It also takes into consideration the European Commission’s review of Malta’s 3rd River Basin Management Plan.
Public participation
Public and stakeholder input is a central part of the River Basin Management Planning process. This consultation will remain open for six months, during which feedback will be used to refine priorities and inform the next stages of the plan. The document can be accessed on https://energywateragency.gov.mt/launch-of-public-consultation-on-the-significant-water-management-issues-for-maltas-4th-river-basin-management-plan-2/
Next steps
Received feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the drafting of the RBMP, which will be subject to further consultation before its finalisation. The final plan is expected to be submitted to the European Commission by March 2028.
The Energy and Water Agency and the Environment and Resources Authority encourage all stakeholders to participate in contributing to shaping Malta’s water management strategy for the coming years.
