Hydrologist proposes technology that could solve flooding problem

A new technology being developed by hydrologist Marco Cremona with the backing of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, could help solve two of Malta's most pressing problems: flooding and the depletion of the water table.

The process, known as GEO-INF, is a sustainable urban drainage system that channels rainwater falling on roofs into underlying aquifers, in order to prevent flooding and enhance groundwater recharge.

Cremona referred to the new technology during his address in the conference "Water A 21^st Century Challenge", organised by the Chamber of Engineers.

The technology consists of a borehole fitted to a filtration system.  Instead of pumping water from the aquifer as conventional boreholes do, the new technology developed by Cremona will pump run-off water inside the aquifer.

All dwellings are obliged by law to have a cistern to collect rainwater, but this law is not enforced. The problem is aggravated by the fact that some dwellings have their run-off collection system directly connected to the sewage system. During heavy storms this contaminated water often overflows from potholes, ending up in the streets and ultimately the sea.

Cremona's intention is to make the new technology mandatory for all buildings without a reservoir system.

In 2007, Cremona developed HOTER, a membrane-based process that treats waste-water from hotels into potable water quality, reducing water demand by 85%. In 2009, HOTER made it to the finals of the prestigious CNBC/Allianz Good Entrepreneur Competition.

Since 2005, Cremona's two-person household has been completely self-sufficient in water use. The house is considered a model in sustainable living in Malta and has been extensively documented by local and international TV stations. In 2009, the house won the France 5 Report Terre award as the Best Environmental Project in the EU.