St Paul’s Tank Filled For First Time As €2.5 Million Project Advances

Water has started flowing into the rehabilitated St Paul’s Tank in Miżieb for the first time in decades, marking an important stage in a €2.5 million Water Services Corporation (WSC) project that will bring the historic reservoir back into use as part of Malta’s potable water system.

The tank, which was previously used as a reservoir for other purposes around 30 years ago, will now play a new role in supplying water across the north of Malta. The project will create a new distribution route connecting the Naxxar Reservoir to Mellieħa, doubling reserve capacity in the northern region and allowing greater flexibility during periods of high demand, maintenance works or unexpected disruptions.

Built in 1914 within the Miżieb woodland, St Paul’s Reservoir measures around 62 metres in length, 18 metres in width and 8.5 metres in height. Most of the structure was excavated underground, with only a small section built above ground.

Under the new system, water will travel from the Naxxar Reservoir along Kennedy Drive, the Xemxija bypass and Triq Għajn Tuffieħa towards l-Imbordin. It will then enter St Paul’s Tank before being pumped onwards to the Mellieħa Reservoir.

Minister Miriam Dalli visited the ongoing works together with WSC CEO Karl Cilia, where she opened the valve allowing water to enter the reservoir for the first time.

The project includes the refurbishment of the reservoir and surrounding area, the removal of old structures, and excavation works carried out with continuous archaeological monitoring. A new four-pump pumping station, distribution board room and electrical substation are also being constructed, alongside new pipework and electrical infrastructure.

“This project is giving new life to a reservoir built more than a century ago and putting it back to work for families and businesses in the north,” Minister Dalli said.

She added that the first filling of the reservoir represents an important milestone, with the completed project set to strengthen water supply security and improve resilience during periods of increased demand.

Mr Cilia said the project was designed and implemented by WSC technical teams, adding that the rehabilitation of the reservoir, together with the new pumping station and pipework, will provide greater flexibility in managing water distribution across northern localities.

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Photo Source: DOI - Clifton Fenech