Medical Doctor
Dr. Ercole Spiteri, a public health doctor in Gozo, discussed the importance of drinking water, particularly in hot climates. He emphasized the necessity of adequate hydration for kidney function and overall health, especially for the elderly. Dr. Spiteri highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, including the increased risk of Legionella infection due to higher temperatures facilitating bacterial growth in water systems. He described his daily routine, which involves monitoring infectious diseases, contact tracing, and advising on public health matters.
Dr. Spiteri also discussed the importance of water cleanliness, the risks associated with stagnant water in household plumbing, and the need for regular inspection and maintenance of water systems. He mentioned that while tap water in Malta and Gozo is generally safe, issues like high chlorine levels and the presence of biofilms in pipes can pose health risks.
Regarding swimming pools, Dr. Spiteri identified parasites such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica as common concerns, explaining that these parasites can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and are resistant to chlorine.
He concluded with personal reflections on water, sharing memories of the sea and discussing the historical significance of water in Gozo’s Citadel. The interview underscored the complexities of ensuring safe drinking water and the ongoing public health efforts to mitigate waterborne diseases.
Advisor: Pumping station and groundwater
George Micallef, a 66-year-old advisor at the Water Services Corporation in Gozo, provided a detailed recount of his professional journey and the challenges faced in water management. He began his career as an electronic technician before joining the Water Services Corporation in the early ’90s. His expertise transitioned from electronics to water services, where he managed groundwater, boreholes, and reverse osmosis systems.
Micallef described the evolution of water quality and distribution in Gozo, emphasizing improvements through polishing plants and the integration of reverse osmosis. He highlighted the shift from reliance on boreholes to advanced treatment plants, detailing the technical processes and challenges, including the impact of farming and urban development on groundwater.
He also shared his experiences with water quality monitoring, leak detection, and the significant role of technology and electricity in water management. His contributions, particularly in developing a polishing plant, marked a career highlight, showcasing his dedication to improving Gozo’s water infrastructure.
Expedition Curator
A closing interview of our Terschelling edition. How to facilitate ecology-sensitive artmaking and art consumption? What are the challenges and various forces at play for degrowth?
Amateur Historian
Remko Pals works at the Cultural Historical Association on Terschelling. He tells us all about the history of the island and the influence of man on the island. Water sample: ground water Tool: well bucket.
Spokesperson
How to communicate water? An inteview with Jessica Winkelhorst, a spokesperson of Vitens.
Water sample: tap water.
Sewage Treatment Operator
Jacqueline Hek is a water treatment operator, she manages the sewage treatment plant on Terschelling. Jacqueline takes us through the process of purifying sewage water into water that is clean enough to enter the sea. She talks about her finds in the sewage treatment plant, what has she learned about humanity? Water sample: sewage samples before treatment.
Process Operator
Hessel Rozenga has a lot of power on Terschelling. He is responsible for all drinking water on the island. From checking the drinking water installation and the pipe from the mainland to Terschelling, to repairs at people’s homes. Hessel explains how water is purified into drinking water. He himself does not drink purified water, but directly from the ground. So why do people still want purified water? And could we also purify sewage water into drinking water?
Water sample: tap water Tool: plumbing fitting.
Salt Agriculture and Chef
Flang Cupido is a pioneer in saline agriculture on Terschelling. As the groundwater becomes saltier, normal agriculture can produce less and less good food. Saline agriculture is a solution. The Zilte Smaak is a practical case of how you can grow fruit and vegetables in soil that is becoming saltier. It’s also still very tasty. To compensate for the salty soil, fruit becomes much sweeter. What are the things we will eat in a saltier future?
Water sample: 2/3 salt and 1/3 sweet sourcewater
Field Worker
Jan van der Bij is a forester at the Staatsbosbheer on West-Terschelling. He tells everything about the management of waterways, the recently completed water splendor project and what exactly seepage water is. Water sample: seepage water.
Trainee
Joke recently completed a thesis looking at the impacts of salinization on the farming culture of Terschelling. Jokes research paid particular attention to the farmers themselves and their affinities. We spoke about her findings and her current work as a trainee with the Dutch Water authorities. Water sample: tapwater from Noordwij Tool: a deck of sustainability cards.
Infrastructure Engineer
With Ward we spoke about the flow of water, electricity and internet in large scale festival set-up. Water sample: festival toilet flushing water Tool: Plumbing coupler.
2nd Deputy Major
With the second deputy major on Terschelling we had a conversation about various facets of water policy. It was striking how “listening” in this interview became a bridging theme between art and policymaking. Water sample: tap water from Gemeente Tool: iPad.
Cattle Farmer
We interviewed Gerard at our pop up radio station in Hoorn forest.
We spoke about how much water a cow drinks on a hot day, about intergenerational labour on the farm and Gerard’s progress in saline agriculture. Water sample: ground water from the farm Tool: trench shovel.
Professor of Climate and Water
We spoke to Pier Vellinga, Professor of Climate and Water, about the impacts of salinization on agriculture at large and on the island of Terschelling. Pier leant us his knowledge when thinking about the future of crops and farming once water supplies become saltier.
Swimming Pool Supervisor
Simone Verlaan came to Terschelling to study at the Willem Barentz Maritime Institute in order to sail the sea. In addition to her studies, she became a lifeguard at Terschelling’s swimming pool. She tells about a pool that is never emptied, but that is cleaned 24/7 and about the taste of drinking water on West Terschelling.
Water sample: Swimming pool water from the pipe for testing water
Tool: Thermometer
Senior Scientist
To what extent is the Dutch drinking water clean and safe to drink? And when is it clean enough? These and more questions will be answered by Roberta Hofmann. Hofmann is a senior scientist at KWR Water Research Institute. Her specialties are drinking water and wastewater treatment. The KWR tries to bridge science to practice in order to build the knowledge needed to address complex water challenges. We spoke with Roberta about the undesirable substances in the Dutch drinking water and what the processes are to remove them.
In hoeverre is het Nederlandse drinkwater schoon en drinkbaar? En wanneer is het schoon genoeg? Deze en meer vragen worden beantwoord door Roberta Hofmann. Hofmann is senior wetenschapper bij KWR Water Research Institute. Haar specialiteiten zijn drinkwater- en afvalwaterzuivering. De KWR probeert een brug te slaan tussen wetenschap en praktijk om de kennis op te bouwen die nodig is om complexe wateropgaven aan te pakken. We spraken met Roberta over de ongewenste stoffen in het Nederlandse drinkwater en wat de processen zijn om deze te verwijderen.
District and Dijk Manager
Rayon manager and dike keeper Albert Kiers, works for Wetterskp Fryslân. He tells us about the inner and outer dike area on Terschelling. The island is slightly tilted: part is above sea level and part is below. Kiers is constantly looking for the right water level for the whole area. A broadcast with a map, a salt meter and meticulous notes in an oldfashioned noteboook.
Rayonbeheerder en dijkwachter Albert Kiers, werkzaam voor Wetterskp Fryslân vertelt over het binnen- en buitendijks gebied op Terschelling. Het eiland ligt een beetje gekanteld: een deel ligt boven NAP en een deel eronder. Kiers zoekt voortdurend naar de juiste waterstand voor het hele gebied. Een uitzending met een kaart, zoutmeter en een succesagenda.
Water sample: ground water
Tool: conductivity meter
Forest Ranger
In daily life, forester Joeri Lamers informs residents of Terschelling about the work the Forestry Commission does to protect nature. In our studio he tells us about the origins of the Hoorn forest and the connection between dunes and fresh water.
Water sample: ground water from the forest
Tool: binoculars