“I've built my career in the utilities sector,” Water Services Corporation CEO Karl Cilia says, reflecting on his career path. The journey began with a first degree in information systems, leading to an early role with the multinational IBM. There, he spearheaded a project critical to Malta's future: the nationwide rollout of smart meters, for both electricity and water, initiated in 2009.
“Malta was the first nation in the world to have a smart grid,” Karl explains proudly. This early experience gave him a unique perspective on the potential of technology to revolutionise utility management.
Following his years with IBM, in which Karl managed what was then called the Integrated Utility Business Solution – a groundbreaking project at the time, which was the first of its kind around the globe – it was time for the next step.
“At that time, I wanted to get involved in the business side of things,” Karl shares, going on to join Enemalta plc, as a technical consultant. There, he was put in charge of the Automated Meter Management area: “the idea was, now that we had the data, to process it and use it in a revolutionary approach for pre-emptive maintenance, network planning, reduction of non-technical losses, theft detection, and so on,” he explains.
In 2022, the next step in his career saw Karl join the Water Services Corperation (WSC) as CEO. “I enjoyed my years at Enemalta plc, during which I was Executive Director of Operations during my last years in tenure. However, I wanted a new challenge,” he reflects.
Since then, Karl’s leadership at the WSC has been marked by a series of ambitious and impactful initiatives. The CEO reveals that is driven by a simple but powerful goal: to provide the best possible water to the Maltese people, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of this precious resource.
One of his most remarkable achievements is establishing the Corporation as a pioneer in the area of sustainability, marking the first-ever issuance of Green Bonds locally and internationally, as a Water Utility worth €25 million. “We generate more than nine million units of green energy through renewable projects annually, and we’re committed to doubling this figure in the coming 10 years,” he maintains.
Indeed, Malta is a leader in reverse osmosis (RO) technology, achieving top-tier energy efficiency in desalination processes, lately winning the highly acclaimed Energy Globe Award; a renowned environmental prize worldwide. Additionally, the country boasts one of the lowest water leakage figures in the EU, setting a benchmark for sustainable water management.
Up next is the dramatic improvement in the taste of Malta's tap water. “We’ve reduced chlorides and chlorine levels by 30 per cent,” he announces – and this isn’t just a technical detail; it's a transformation that's noticeable in every glass.
Chlorides, he explains, are responsible for the salty taste often associated with tap water. By increasing the proportion of RO water in the blend, the WSC has created a significantly more palatable product.
But it wasn't just about tweaking the blend. Karl has led the charge to unify Malta and Gozo's water zones into a single, consistent quality zone. This was a major undertaking, he explains, requiring upgrades to production sources, the potable network, careful management of water pressure, and a deep understanding of the different characteristics of groundwater and RO water, maximizing the blending potential through the use of AI. "Now, everyone gets the same high-quality water, whether they live in Marsaxlokk or Marsalforn," he explains.
And the results of these efforts haven't gone unnoticed, with a recent Yale University study ranking Malta among the top 20 countries worldwide for tap water safety – certainly a remarkable achievement for an island nation with limited natural water resources and a hot climate.
Karl attributes this success to a combination of factors: the smart meter data that allows for precise monitoring, the upgrades to the RO plants (making them among the most efficient in the world), and a relentless focus on minimising leaks and water loss. “We have a highly specialised Information Systems team,” he says, “working on data patterns, consumption modelling, and so on. We can detect leaks behind the meter, for example, and inform consumers, using specific models to help them understand how best to be more conservative with their water.”
Unsurprisingly, the transformation of Malta's water infrastructure hasn't come cheap. During his tenure as CEO, Karl spearheaded a €127 million investment plan, coupled with a green bond framework, covering everything from upgrading old water mains to enhancing the efficiency of RO plants. “We have a very clear, 10-year pledge worth €310 million on where our investments will be,” he states. This long-term vision is crucial for an island nation facing the challenges of water scarcity and climate change.
Still, the CEO acknowledges the fact that, despite the undeniable improvements in quality and safety, many Maltese still reach for bottled water. Karl recognises that old habits and misconceptions die hard. “Even I, before, never drank tap water,” he admits. “The taste was hard, and you could smell the chlorine.”
This is why the WSC has embarked on a major campaign to encourage people to give tap water another try. The message is simple: taste it before you judge it. “With a simple activated carbon filter – a very inexpensive addition – you can eliminate that remaining residue of chlorine,” he explains. “It's about educating people, showing them that the water is not only safe but also pleasant to drink.”
Yet the shift from bottled to tap water isn't just about taste; it's about sustainability. As Karl points out, the highest source of plastic in Malta is water bottles. By reducing reliance on bottled water, Malta can take a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly future.
Looking ahead, Karl’s vision for the WSC is one of continuous improvement. He sees a future where Malta's water supply is not only secure and sustainable but also a source of national pride. “We're always striving to be one step ahead,” he says. This means ongoing investments in infrastructure, a continued focus on reducing leaks, and, crucially, a commitment to engaging with the public and building trust in the quality of Malta's tap water.
