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Bathing Water Profile PROFILE 23

DWEJRA (INLAND SEA) F’SAN LAWRENZ, GĦAWDEX

JUNE 2013

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Brief description and importance of water profiles

This is one of a series of 29 profiles that cover all 87 identified bathing waters of the Maltese Islands. Bathing water profiles are established in accordance with Directive 2006/7/EC Article 6, regulation 11, and Schedule III of the Regulations as transposed by Legal Notice 125 of 2008 and amended by Legal Notice 237 of 2011. These regulations concern the management of bathing water in relation to the reduction of gastroenteritis and other waterborne health risks originating from faecal sources and other routes of pollution.

In essence, bathing water quality is monitored for 23 weeks each year in different bathing areas in the Maltese Islands by the Environmental Health

Directorate. The monitoring period corresponds with the official bathing season that traditionally opens on the third week of May and closes in the third week of October (National Statistics Office, 2004). Bathing water quality is classified according to Directive 2006/7/EC as ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’ using the symbols shown in Figure 1 below. Water quality data from the European Commission was last updated in 2012 (Figure 2); the latest figures classify 96.6% of the Maltese Island’s bathing waters as of excellent quality, with a very slight decline when compared to the previous year

(European Environmental Agency, 2012).

Figure 1: Bathing water star classification from left to right: ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ and ‘poor’.

Excellent Quality Good Quality Sufficient Quality Poor Quality

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Figure 2: Results of bathing water quality in Malta from 2005 to 2012

(European Environment Agency, 2012)

Bathing water profiles play an important role in addressing management issues and in implementing more effective measures. The purpose of the bathing water profile is to help the bather make an informed choice. The profile gives information about the bathing water quality, including the potential pollution risks at the site and records the measures used to improve the quality of the bathing water.

In addition, information on the physical, geographical and hydrological characteristics, together with a history of water quality is provided in the overview data section. This information is made available to the general public by means of posters exhibited on site in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 16 of Legal Notice 125 of 2008 (amended by Legal Notice 237 of 2011).

Key information:

• Bathing water name: Dwejra (inland sea)

• Bathing water ID number: MT0260265400000D08

• Location: Gozo / San Lawrenz / Dwejra

• Year of Identification: 1996

• Local Council Areas: San Lawrenz

• Description of bathing beaches: The bathing area comprises an enclosed lagoon, also known as Qawra inland sea, measuring 400 metres by 335 metres with a cobble/pebbles beach around the shore of the inland sea. Concrete jetties and boathouses are present at the bathing water edges. The lagoon is surrounded by inland cliffs and escarpments, abandoned agricultural land with steppic communities of grasses, thistles and some shrubs, together with rich maritime garrigue land.

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Monitoring Points: One monitoring

point (MT0260265400000D08) is used

to test water quality from this bathing

water,

located at the inland sea, as shown in

Figure 3.

Figure 3: Location of bathing water and monitoring point location

General description of bathing waters and surrounding

areas

This bathing water is located along Gozo’s

western coast in the limits of San Lawrenz.

It comprises of an enclosed shingle beach

within Qawra’s quasi-circular solution

subsidence structure, which is accessed

either via a cave tunnel or through a road

leading from the main parking area. The

inland sea is relatively sheltered and not

directly exposed to the coast (Cassar,

Lanfranco, & Schembri, 2004). The

terrestrial area at Dwejra has conserved

most of its natural context (Figure 4), with

geological, geomorphological, ecological,

archaeological, historical and aesthetic

features that classify it as uniquely

important for the Maltese Islands.

Figure 4: Dwejra’s terrestrial area

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The hamlet at Dwejra comprises only two food and beverage establishments and a souvenir shop. The area is also commonly visited by a large amount of locals and tourists attracted by Fungus rock and the Azure window, which are the main attractions. Amenities at Dwejra include a

formal parking area, a small chapel and public toilets (Figure 4). The coastal area of the bathing water is also characterised by a number of jetties and slipways used to launch boats from the multitude of boathouses in the area.

Figure 4: Land-uses surrounding Dwejra’s bathing water

The coastal area forms part of a Special Area of Conservation of International Importance designated under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and Government Notice 223 of 2005, as declared through the provisions of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Regulations of 2006 (Legal Notice 311 of 2006). Furthermore, the Qawra inland sea area at Dwejra is designated as a Special Protection Area under the Wild Birds Directive

(79/409/EEC) and also declared as a Bird Sanctuary by the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations, 2006 (Legal Notice 79 of 2006). In addition, the designated bathing water forms part of a Marine Protected Area on the western coast of Gozo. The geology of the surrounding landscape mainly consists of the two lower layers of the Maltese Island’s geological sequence, that is the Lower Coralline Limestone

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observed in the vertical cliffs and Globigerina Limestone that predominates higher grounds where a number of quarries are located. The area encompasses a dendritic network of valleys which drain into the Qawra depression where the bathing water is situated. These comprise Wied il-Kbir, Wied Sufar, Wied Għorof and Wied Merill (Cassar, Lanfranco, & Scħembri, 2004). A blend of garrigue and sheer rock faces are host to several fauna and flora that are characteristic of the area. The cliffs are the most species-diverse of the Maltese Islands, supporting endemic species such as the Maltese Everlasting (Helichrysum melitense). The semi-vegetated garrigue landscape is dominated by a number of species that include Maltese Sea Lavender (Limonium melitensis), Shrubby St John’s Wort (Hypericum aegypticum) and Maltese Stocks (Mattiola icana subsp. Melitensis), amongst other floral species. The beach itself does not support any vegetation, although a fairly rich community of halophytes can be observed to the northern side of the beach, which includes species such as the Golden Samphire (Inula

crithmoides) and Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum) (Cassar, Lanfranco, & Schembri, 2004). In addition, various pairs of ‘cart ruts’ of unknown age and purpose overlook the Qawra inland sea area. The marine environment at Dwejra/Qawra area is host to a wide variety of spectacular coastal marine life, including both Pelagic and Demersal fish. Several species of Mediterranean fish can be seen such as various types of bream, wrasse, scorpion fish, gobis, cardinal fish, as well as dentex and grouper. Some Neptune Grass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) are also located in the vicinities of the bathing water area, making it an important location for breeding and nesting of several species of fish and invertebrates. The inland sea and the surrounding marine area at Dwejra are amongst the most unique maritime environments in the Maltese Islands. In fact, an online survey carried out in 2006 amongst several Maltese and Gozitan dive centres revealed that the inland sea at Dwejra was the second most popular attraction in Gozo (Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd, 2006).

Bathing Water History

Official bathing water quality data, for the area at Dwejra dates back to 1996. Weekly tests, particularly during the bathing season, have been carried out every year since at the sampling point shown in Figure 3. The site continues to be regularly monitored by the Health Inspectorate Services within the Environmental Health Directorate (EHD) as part of its Bathing Water Monitoring Programme. The Public

Health Laboratory Services (PHLS) within the Environmental Health Directorate carry out all tests for microbiological parameters, as required under the Management of Bathing Water Quality Regulations, 2008 (L.N. 125 of 2008 as amended by L.N. 237 of 2011). Since 1996, water quality was tested for faecal coliforms counts/100ml, total

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coliforms counts/100ml, and faecal streptococci counts/100ml, and classified according to the Barcelona Convention Interim Criteria (BCIC) Site Classification for Faecal Coliforms Counts. During this time the water quality data was classified in accordance with the Bathing Water Directive 76/160. Tests for this site conformed to both the EC requirements and to the BCIC classification between 2005 and 2008. From 2009, the classification of

water quality was based on the new EU Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC, which involves measuring counts/100ml for Escherichia coli and Intestinal Enterococci. The overall trend for water quality classification at Dwejra under EU Directive 2006/7/EC was ‘Excellent’. Table 1 below describes how bathing waters are defined while Table 2 provides a summary of water quality classifications for the period 2009 to 2012:

Table 1: Classification of Bathing Waters

Table 2: Water quality classification at the monitoring point

2006/7/EC Classification

Based on four years data

Escherichia coli (cfu/100 ml) < 250 Excellent quality < 500

Good quality > 500

Sufficient quality

Intestinal Enterococci (cfu/100 ml) < 100

Excellent quality < 200

Good quality > 200

Sufficient quality

2006/7/EC Classification

Based on four years data

Bathing Water ID Number

Year Escherichia coli Intestinal

Enterococci Overall

Classification

2012

D08 Excellent Excellent Excellent

2011

D08 Excellent Excellent Excellent

2010

D08 Excellent Excellent Excellent

2009

D08 Excellent Excellent Excellent

2012

Excellent Quality

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Note that ‘D08 is a direct reference to MT0260265400000D08. The data tabulated above and further information is available at the Ministry for Health website (https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/public_health/environmental-

health/health_inspectorate/env._hlt._risk_management/envhealth_bathingwater09.aspx).

Sources of Pollution

Since the coastal area abutting the bathing water is predominantly rocky coast, pollution from land based sources is limited. The main discharge to the bathing water is in fact storm water run-off from the surrounding slopes and valleys (Figure 5). Water run-off might collect particulate matter along its course through the valley

systems and roads leading to the bathing water area. It might also be rich in nutrients collected along its course through agricultural fields. There are no other effluent discharges at Dwejra that might alter the quality of water in the bathing zone.

Figure 5: Discharges to bathing water and monitoring point at Dwejra (Inland sea)

Fine particulate matter as a result of quarrying processes may be subject to wind-borne transport. This might deposit

in the bathing water area, hence reducing the quality of water. However, prevailing winds blow in the opposite direction of the

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bathing water in respect to the quarries

close-by. In addition, coarse spoil

deposited at the fringes of quarries was

also observed to spill over into the adjacent

habitats, causing a direct threat to aquatic

habitats (Cassar, Lanfranco, & Scħembri,

2004).

Non-point pollution sources from boats

moored in the area outside of the

swimming zone could also affect the quality

of bathing water. A series of jetties and slip

ways are situated along the shoreline

within the enclosed inland sea, from where

boat owners and divers are permitted to

transfer their vessels over the sea/land

interface (Figure 6). Given the presence of

such sea craft, emissions from these boats

to the bathing water in terms of oil

spillages are possible.

Figure 6: Series of jetties and slip ways at

Dwejra’s bathing water

Mitigation Measures

Since the coastal area abutting the bathing

water is protected under the Habitats

Directive as a Special Area of Conservation

of International Importance and is part of

the Natura 2000 network, there are several

mitigation measures that are being

implemented on land in order to safeguard

the environmental integrity of the area.

Several waste receptacles are already

present around the bathing water lagoon;

hence bathers and visitors are encouraged

to make correct use of such waste bins and

stream waste by type. In addition,

management plans are being prepared for

all Natura 2000 sites in the Maltese Islands.

It is expected that such Plans would take

into account the activities on the site and

propose measures to safeguard the site.

Figure 7: Litter bins abutting the bathing

water at Dwejra

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Assessment for the potential proliferation of Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) require a nutrient rich body of water, light and high temperatures. Sources of these nutrients can be multiple, including diffuse land-based activities such as agricultural practices, animal husbandry and domestic

sewage production. As discussed above, there is no major source of pollution into the bathing water. In view of this it is unlikely that there is the potential for the proliferation of cyanobacteria within the bathing water.

Assessment of the potential for proliferation of macro-algae and/or phytoplankton

Phytoplankton growth depends on carbon dioxide, nitrates, phosphates and silicic acid. Sources of these nutrients can be multiple, including diffuse land-based activities such as agricultural practices, animal husbandry and domestic sewage production. No tests recording parameters

of these chemicals seem to have been carried out in the bathing water area at Dwejra. However, given the context of the surrounding landscape and land uses in the area, the bathing water at Dwejra is not currently at risk of proliferation of macro-algae or phytoplankton.

What should one do if a pollution incident is noticed?

If one sees a water pollution incident, you should immediately contact the Environmental Health Directorate through the Automated Telephone System, which is operated 24 hours. Phone: 21827146

Or by calling the Environmental Health Directorate during Office Hours:

Phone: 21337333

Or After Office Hours / Weekends / Public Holidays:

Malta – 79509918 Gozo – 79509919

When a pollution incident is reported or pollution is found to be affecting the water

quality of official bathing areas, an immediate investigation is instigated by the Environmental Health Officers. All possible sources of pollution within the area are checked together with the relevant Competent Authorities. In addition, a resample will be collected to monitor whether the beach is still polluted.

Bathing waters may be closed by the Environmental Health Directorate in accordance with the provisions of Legal Notice 125 of 2008, Regulation 7, until the water quality has improved and levels of bacteria are within mandatory standards in accordance to the provisions of Regulation 8 of the same legal notice.

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General Contact Details:

Address:

Telephone: +356 21337333 Fax: +356 21344767 Email: complaints.ph@gov.mt mhi@gov.mt URL: https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/public_health/environmental-health/health_inspectorate/env._hlt._risk_management/envhealth_bathingwater09.aspx

References:

Adi Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd. (2006). Diving Master Plan for Gozo and Comino, Dive Site Report 8: Inland sea (Qawra). San Ġwann: Author.

Cassar,L.F., Lanfranco, S., and Schembri, P.J., (2004). Report on a survey of the Terrestrial Ecological Resources of the Qawra/Dwejra Area, Western Gozo, commissioned by Nature Trust (Malta). Mosta (Malta): Ecoserv.

European Environment Agency (2012). Bathing water results 2012 – Malta. National Statistics Office (2004). Bathing water quality in the Maltese Islands., News Release

131/2004. Valletta: Library and Information Unit, National Statistics Office.

Environmental Health Directorate Health Inspectorate Services Continental Business Centre Triq il-Ferrovija, Santa Venera, SVR 9018 Malta.

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Version Control

Version number:

Date: Next review due:

Comments:

23.1 June 2013