Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Malta?
Yes, tap water in Malta is safe to drink and meets EU Drinking Water Directive standards, though the high mineral content from desalination gives it a taste that leads most residents to prefer bottled or filtered water.
Water Source
About 60% of Malta's water comes from reverse osmosis desalination plants, with the rest from groundwater. The Water Services Corporation (WSC) manages all public water supply across Malta and Gozo.
Contaminants & Concerns
No significant health concerns. The primary complaint is taste — high mineral content, chlorine, and the salty-mineral profile of blended desalinated and groundwater.
Regional Variations
Safe across Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Taste varies slightly by area depending on the blend of desalinated and groundwater.
Water Hardness
Hard to very hard, roughly 300–500 mg/L due to limestone geology and mineral-rich groundwater..
Do Locals Drink Tap Water?
Most Maltese residents buy bottled water or use home filtration due to taste, though the water is officially safe.
Tips for Travelers
- •Tap water is safe but tastes noticeably mineralized — many visitors prefer bottled
- •Hotels often provide bottled water for convenience
- •A carbon filter significantly improves the taste
Recommended Precautions
No safety precautions needed — taste is the main issue
Cities in Malta
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP)
- •National and municipal water utility public quality reports