Many Maltese houses sit above a valuable feature that their owners rarely think about: a bir, or rainwater well. Collecting rain from the roof has been a part of Maltese building for centuries, and planning permits for new buildings commonly specify a cistern. Yet plenty of wells sit unused, with an unknown water level, a seized pump and a cover nobody has lifted in years. Winter is a good time to change that, because the rain is arriving now.
What a bir is good for
Rainwater is useful for jobs that do not need drinking-quality water, especially in a place where water is precious:
- Garden irrigation. Plants do well with soft rainwater, and it suits a low-water garden.
- Washing yards and terraces. Cleaning does not need treated water.
- Toilet flushing, if the plumbing is set up correctly by a plumber.
Do not drink it or cook with it unless it has been properly treated and tested for that purpose. Roofs collect dust, bird droppings and whatever else lands on them, and water sitting in an old well cannot be assumed safe.
First, find out what you have
Open the cover carefully and check it can bear weight when you replace it. Note the following:
- Water level and smell. Clean water should not smell foul.
- Cover condition. It should be sound, fit well and keep out light, insects and children.
- Inlet route. Follow the pipe from your roof to the well.
- Overflow route. Find where the water goes when the well is full.
- Pump and electrics. Check whether there is a working pump and whether its supply looks safe.
Do not climb inside. A well is a confined space where the air can be dangerous, so inspection and cleaning from inside are jobs for an experienced provider with the right safety procedures.
Keeping the water cleaner
Most well problems begin on the roof. Clean the roof and drains, ideally before the first heavy rains. Keep leaves and droppings out of the inlet, and fit a coarse filter where you can. Some systems use a diverter to send the dirty first flush away from the well, which a plumber can advise on. Keep overflows and vents screened against insects, since a neglected well can breed mosquitoes.
Our tank and well cleaning guide explains how often to clean them and what the work involves. Roof condition matters too, so read about membrane care before coating a roof that feeds your well, and ask whether the product suits rainwater collection.
Warning signs of a problem
- The level falls with no use. The well may be cracked or leaking, or a pipe or valve may be letting water out.
- The level stays low after heavy rain. The inlet could be blocked, disconnected or diverted.
- Damp appears on nearby basement walls. See our basement damp guide as well.
- Dirty or smelly water after storms. Surface water or something else may be getting in.
- The pump cycles on its own. There may be a leak on the pressure side.
For structural cracks or anything affecting foundations, ask a perit to look at it. A waterproofing specialist can advise on lining or sealing a well that loses water.
Keep the systems separate
Well water must not mix with your mains supply. Each system needs its own pipes, clearly labelled where possible, and outlets used for rainwater should be marked as non-drinking water. Ask a plumber to set up or check any connection, including pumps and valves, and an electrician to check outdoor pump wiring.
For the garden, a simple pump paired with an irrigation timer often makes the biggest difference. If you are buying an old property, include the well in your pre-purchase checks, because it is hard to inspect after the sale and can affect everything from damp to water bills.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink water from my bir in Malta?
Treat it as non-drinking water unless it has been properly treated and laboratory-tested for that use. Rain collected from a roof can pick up dust, droppings and other contaminants.
How often should a rainwater well be cleaned?
Annual cleaning is a sensible target for a well in active use, and more often if the water smells or looks dirty. Clear the roof and inlet regularly, and use an experienced provider for any work inside the well.
Why does my well lose water when I am not using it?
Possible causes include a crack in the structure, a leak in the pipework or a valve letting water pass. Check the pump and pipes first, then ask a plumber or waterproofing specialist to investigate.