The Water Framework Directive's effect on the regulation of sustainable water management in Malta

Abstract

In 1995, the European Union recognised the need to formulate a legal framework for the protection and restoration of all types of waters including surface water bodies (namely, water courses and other inland waters, transitional waters and coastal waters) and groundwater bodies. The EU Water Framework Directive, enacted in December 2000, represents an innovative, integrated and holistic approach towards water management that seeks to consolidate all parts of the entire environmental system. In an attempt to determine whether the Directive is being implemented in an effective manner by the Maltese competent authorities, and also whether these measures have had an impact on the quality of our waters as a result, this study shall seek to examine various aspects of the Directive including its legal text.