Greywater Recycling System inaugurated in Helen Keller Resource Centre
The Greywater Recycling System installed in Hellen Keller Resource Centre that will enable the reuse of treated water for garden irrigation was inaugurated by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. The installation is part of the globally recognised Alter Aqua programme, which was introduced in 2011 in the Maltese Islands by The Coca-Cola Foundation, aiming at promoting the use of non-conventional water resources, such as rainwater harvesting, stormwater management, greywater recycling and treated wastewater reuse, as a sustainable way to increase water availability and adapt to climate change at local level.
In her address, President Coleiro Preca said that one of the benefits of the new system is the reduction in the prohibitive costs of the volume of water used for the centre’s Jacuzzi, which offers essential hydro-therapeutic treatment to the children and young adults who rely on the centre adding that “thanks to the installation of this system, water is being treated and reused to also secure benefits to other parts of the centre. Indeed, alongside hydrotherapy, the centre’s gardens are receiving irrigation without placing undue stress on limited freshwater resources.”
“For almost six years through Alter Aqua we have succeeded to positively impact the lives of 39,000 people in the Maltese Islands by collecting and reusing more than 16 million litres of water on an annual basis. We recognise that these impressive results are because of the power of collective action and collaboration of the programme’s partners. I am certain that we wouldn’t have been so successful if we didn’t have partners that share the same vision and values for building thriving and prosperous communities. We can do so much together that each of us alone” stated Maria Micallef, Chief Operating Officer, GSD Marketing. Ltd.