Historic water infrastructure in Malta materials and structures

Abstract

Water infrastructure has evolved over the centuries to cater for an increasing population, changing needs of society and quality of life. The development of water infrastructure has been marked by key milestones in the exploitation of new materials and engineering structures. The sourcing, supply and storage of water presented challenges which inspired the development of technology and structural systems based on different construction materials, providing for new opportunities which led to important developments in rural communities and urban settlements. Geological formations with varying permeabilities were initially exploited, together with extracted stone, mortars and then other materials over the centuries including metal, earthenware and vitrified clay, concrete, and reinforced concrete. Technological innovation, invention and discovery supported key engineering elements and structures in the quest for the development of water systems in the Maltese Islands. The infrastructural elements are testimony to changing needs in society and reflect the materials and engineering technology available in a particular historical period.