Controversy is intensifying in Malta over the safety of its beaches.

A string of temporary beach closures across Malta this summer has cast doubt on official assurances that the island’s bathing waters are safe. According to the newspaper The Malta Independent, the situation sparks public concern and fierce political criticism over the state of coastal water management.

Despite repeated government claims that Malta’s beaches are well-maintained, several popular swimming spots—including Fond Għadir in Sliema, Shingles Bay in St Julian’s, and Marsascala’s Fajtata Bay—were shut down due to water contamination. The closure of Fajtata came even just hours after the beach was awarded a Blue Flag, an international recognition of water quality and environmental standards!

Closures of beaches more and more frequent

The timing and frequency of these closures have triggered a backlash from environmentalists, residents, and opposition parties. They all accuse the government of mismanaging coastal water safety and failing to maintain adequate wastewater infrastructure.

The Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise responded to critics. In a general statement, it attributes the incidents to “third-party polluters” and defended Malta’s overall performance. It stressed that 92% of the country’s bathing sites were rated “Excellent” in the European Commission’s 2024 report on water quality.

However, Shadow Environment Minister Rebekah Borg in the opposition sharply criticized the government’s record. She accused it of neglecting Malta’s sewage systems for nearly a decade. “From 2016 to 2024 they did close to nothing while drainage kept flowing into our seas illegally,” she told The Malta Independent on Sunday. She was referring to a 2024 European Court of Justice ruling which found Malta in breach of EU wastewater treatment laws.

She claimed that ongoing investment plans may still fall short of addressing the needs of Malta’s growing population. But government officials point to several major projects as proof of their commitment. Several plants were recently upgraded. Malta is also increasingly using reclaimed Class A “New Water” for agricultural irrigation.

Urban development behind water woes?

Yet public confidence remains shaky. Last year’s beach closures prompted the Water Services Corporation to create a dedicated task force. But with similar incidents resurfacing this summer, critics argue that progress is too slow and lacking in transparency.

Borg also pointed to broader policy failures, accusing the government of ignoring the knock-on effects of rapid urban development. “You cannot triple the density of an area and then say ‘we’ll deal with infrastructure later’,” added Borg. She expressed growing frustration of the population over the prioritization of construction and tourism at the expense of sustainable planning.

The contamination scare carries wider implications. Last October’s EU court ruling underscored systemic shortcomings in Malta’s wastewater infrastructure and regulatory oversight. With the 2026 EU water compliance deadline looming, pressure is mounting on the government to act fast.

Environmental advocates warn that any delay risks harming marine ecosystems, threatening public health, and damaging Malta’s crucial tourism sector. Local fishermen and residents have already reported adverse effects on marine life and water quality.

As tourists flock to the island’s shores in peak season, the government however assures that Malta remains safe and clean.