Exploring rainwater harvesting opportunities in Malta

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential for a rainwater harvesting (RWH) strategy in Malta and tries to identify management practices required to implement it. Design/methodology/approach; This qualitative study adopts the concept of sustainable development in its framework whilst incorporating the specific physical and climatic realities of Malta. After sifting through the relevant literature, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key experts from four governmental/non-governmental Maltese entities that deal with policy and managerial implementation for water resources. Findings; The study identifies the major issues surrounding water scarcity, its use and misuse and the barriers currently hindering RWH implementation in Malta. The paper argues that the key lies in rethinking innovative ways to work with the natural features and to use technology to enhance possible net beneficial effects by giving multipurpose solutions, whilst touching base on the validity and use of indigenous knowledge systems. Hence, a gauged implementation of water catchment using micro and macro approaches could bring compounded beneficial effects. Originality/value; Malta has the highest possible baseline water stress index, yet empirical research on RWH in Malta is relatively lacking. This study addresses this gap and provides suggestions/ recommendations related to the adoption of effective management practices and reforms promoting RWH that could better guide Maltese and other environmental policy makers to add resilience for coping with future water-related risks/uncertainties and to avert the impending water crisis.