Can You Drink Tap Water in Malta? (2026) Safety Guide

Quick Reference

Key Statistics

Water Infrastructure & Supply

Malta's water infrastructure is managed by the Water Services Corporation (WSC), a government entity established in 1992. The islands have historically faced severe freshwater scarcity due to their semi-arid Mediterranean climate and small size, leading to early adoption of reverse osmosis desalination technology in the 1980s. Today, Malta operates three major reverse osmosis plants at Pembroke, Lapsi, and irkewwa, which together produce over half of the country's drinking water supply.

The remaining water supply comes from groundwater extracted through a network of boreholes and galleries tapping into the Upper and Lower Coralline Limestone aquifers and the mean sea-level aquifer system. The WSC blends desalinated water with treated groundwater before distribution through approximately 2,000 km of pipes serving over 250,000 connections. Water undergoes chlorination for disinfection and is regularly tested at over 1,500 sampling points across the distribution network.

Significant investment has been made through EU-funded projects to modernize the water network, reduce non-revenue water losses (which dropped from over 40% to around 22%), and improve energy efficiency of desalination plants using renewable energy sources. The WSC has also invested in new polishing reverse osmosis technology to further improve the taste and reduce mineral content of blended water, with upgrades continuing through 2025-2026.

Contamination & Health Risks

Malta's tap water consistently meets EU Drinking Water Directive standards, with compliance rates exceeding 99% across all monitored parameters. However, the water's high mineral content , particularly calcium, magnesium, and chloride , gives it a distinctive hard, slightly salty taste that many find unpalatable. Historical concerns about nitrate contamination in groundwater from agricultural activities have been addressed through increased reliance on desalinated water and stricter groundwater management.

The primary health concern for travelers is not acute contamination but rather the taste and potential digestive discomfort from unfamiliar mineral profiles. Some older buildings, particularly in Valletta and the Three Cities, may have aging internal plumbing that could leach trace metals into standing water. Trihalomethane (THM) levels from chlorination have occasionally been flagged in monitoring reports, though they remain within EU regulatory limits.

For most healthy travelers, drinking Malta's tap water poses no significant health risk. Those with kidney conditions or on low-sodium diets should be aware of the elevated mineral content. Running the tap for 30 seconds before drinking can help flush any standing water from internal pipes, and a carbon filter can significantly improve taste while removing residual chlorine and potential trace contaminants.

Regional Water Quality Breakdown

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Carry a filter bottle with a carbon filter to significantly improve tap water taste , brands like Brita, LifeStraw, or GRAYL work well for removing the strong mineral and chlorine flavor common in Maltese tap water.
• In Maltese, you can ask for bottled water by saying 'Ilma fil-flixkun, jekk jogbok' (Water in a bottle, please), or simply say 'Still water, please' as English is an official language and universally spoken.
• Run the cold tap for 20-30 seconds before filling your glass, especially in older buildings in Valletta, the Three Cities, or Gozo, to flush out any standing water from internal pipes.
• Buy 5-liter water jugs from supermarkets like Lidl, Pavi, or PAMA for your accommodation , they cost around 1.00, 1.50 and are far more economical and eco-friendly than individual bottles.
• Ice in drinks at restaurants, bars, and hotels in tourist areas is made from treated water and is safe to consume , Malta follows EU food safety regulations strictly.
• If you're staying in a self-catering apartment, check if a water filter jug is provided , many Maltese landlords and Airbnb hosts now include one as standard.
• The WSC website (wsc.com.mt) publishes real-time water quality data , check it if you want specific information about water quality in your area of stay.
• Stay well hydrated during Malta's hot summers (June-September) when temperatures often exceed 35C , carry water at all times, especially when visiting open-air sites like aar Qim or the Blue Grotto.

Bottled Water Availability & Cost

Bottled water is extremely popular in Malta and readily available at every supermarket, convenience store, restaurant, and hotel. The most common local brand is San Michel, while international brands like Evian, Vittel, and various Italian mineral waters are also widely sold. A 1.5-liter bottle of still water typically costs 0.50, 1.00 at supermarkets, while a 500ml bottle from a convenience store or tourist area kiosk may cost 1.00, 2.00. In restaurants, a bottle of water generally costs 1.50, 4.00 depending on the establishment.

Buying larger 5-liter containers from supermarkets like Lidl, Pavi, or PAMA is the most economical approach, costing around 1.00, 1.50. Travelers can also invest in a reusable filter bottle to improve tap water taste while reducing plastic waste , an important consideration given Malta's limited landfill capacity and environmental challenges. Some hotels and rental accommodations now provide water filter jugs, reflecting growing sustainability awareness on the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions