Is the tap water safe to drink in Malta?
Yes. WHO and UNICEF put safely managed drinking water in Malta at 99.8% for 2024.
What the official figures say
Most of it starts out as seawater. In 2022, 64% of Malta's drinking water came from four reverse osmosis plants, at Pembroke, Ċirkewwa, Għar Lapsi and Ħondoq in Gozo, and the rest was groundwater. The two are blended before going into the network, and the Water Services Corporation's accredited laboratory checks the water continuously.
Why a public tap can still be different
Taps on beaches and quays may be showers or hose points rather than drinking water. Look for one that's clearly meant for drinking, and check its condition before you use it.
Check the tap, then tell the next person
When you find a drinking tap, add it to Fontavio with its location. On a hot island, a refill point on the walk from the ferry or the bus stop is worth knowing about.
Sources
- WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, household drinking water data (2025 update, estimates for 2024) (checked 2026-09-22)
- Water Services Corporation, Water production and distribution (checked 2026-09-22)
Get it before the next long walk.
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