Only Flush The Three Ps: Water Services Breaks Down Causes Of Contaminations
Water Services Corporation (WSC) explained the causes of the drainage blockages that contaminate Malta’s sea, saying that irresponsible waste disposal has been the culprit for most of these cases.
It clarified that besides the Balluta Bay contamination that was detected on 21st May and is still being resolved, the rest of the contaminations were not caused by the WSC network.
“WSC is responsible for the public infrastructure, not private drainage systems,” a spokesperson explained.
“We are currently working closely with the public health authorities to identify the exact cause and resolution within the public sewage infrastructure,” he continued, referring to the Balluta Bay left side St Julian’s contamination case.
Lovin Malta reached out to the WSC to see what exactly caused the rest of the blockages in Tal-Għażżenin; St George’s Bay, St Julians; Balluta Bay right side, St Julian’s; St George’s Bay, St Julian’s and; St George’s, Bay Birżebbuġa.
In its prompt reply, the WSC broke down some of the causes of these contaminations.
“In the case of Birżebbuġa, the blockage was caused by illegal dumping directly into our network, specifically a baby nappy wrapped in a towel. Such deliberate actions can cause significant blockages and potential damage to our system, which is otherwise fully capable of handling the current wastewater load.”
“We continue to face a significant number of blockages caused by items that should not be disposed of in the sewage system. Common culprits include wipes, which do not disintegrate and cause serious blockages, as well as oil, fats, and various other items.”
“These materials can accumulate and create extensive obstructions, leading to overflows and backflows into both public and private properties. The damage caused by these blockages is not only costly but also poses a substantial environmental risk.”
We also asked about the progress of the 10-year €310 million National Investment Plan which was launched last year.
“While significant progress has been made, the infrastructure upgrades are ongoing.”
“Regardless of the continuous investment, upgrades, and maintenance on our networks (including water and new water), third-party actions and deliberate illegal discharges into our network can and will cause blockages. These blockages result in overflows and backflows into public and private properties, leading to unnecessary damages, potential claims, and significant environmental impact.”
“We therefore urge the general public to ONLY flush the 3P’s – Pee, Poo and toilet Paper and strictly avoid any illegal dumping into the sewage system. Regardless of the continuous investment, upgrades, and maintenance on our networks (including water and new water), third-party actions and deliberate illegal discharges into our network can and will cause blockages.”
“These blockages result in overflows and backflows into public and private properties, leading to unnecessary damages, potential claims, and significant environmental impact. We therefore urge the general public to ONLY flush the 3P’s – Pee, Poo and toilet Paper and strictly avoid any illegal dumping into the sewage system.”
The 10-year plan aligns with European Standards in water management and promotes the circular economy concept by encouraging resource recovery and the reuse of reclaimed water, the Corporation secured €126 million in EU funds to finance part of this plan.
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