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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 DECEMBER 2018
HISTORY
HEWN out of rock at a depth
of some 100 metres, the Ta'
Kandja fresh water galleries
continue to serve this coun-
try's water needs more than
50 years later.
The network of tunnels was
dug out at sea level with gal-
leries running for more than a
kilometre in every direction.
On the walls, signs give a
sense of direction by point-
ing out the tunnels that run
to Żurrieq, Siġġiewi, Mqabba,
Wied il-Kbir, Wied Costa and
other areas.
Rain water that would have
filtered through the rocks
over the course of many years
collects in the galleries. The
fresh water rests above sea
water because it is less dense.
It takes between 40 and 50
years for surface water to
seep through the rocks and
reach the tunnels.
Journalists were given the
opportunity by the Water
Services Corporation to visit
the tunnels last week. Al-
though 60% of Malta's water
needs are satisfied by reverse
osmosis plants, ground water
still plays an important part
to quench the island's thirst.
Water from the tunnels is
pumped up to surface reser-
voirs and treated before mak-
ing its way into the distribu-
tion system.
The Ta' Kandja fresh water tunnels
