The European commission plans to send Italy a warning notice due to its failure to comply with EU regulations on the treatment of
wastewater in urban zones, it has emerged.
Around 299 Italian towns do not meet the current requirements for
wastewater treatment and untreated
wastewater is being released into local waterways, according to the commission.
If the country does not work to rectify the situation, it will face disciplinary measures issued by the European court of justice.
"Untreated urban waste is a danger to the health of European citizens and the environment. It is unacceptable that eight years after the deadline, Italy is still failing to comply with this important legislation," said Stavros Dimas, the EU's environment commissioner.
Last week, a Luxembourg-based firm revealed a product that is designed to ease
wastewater problems, such as the ones Italy currently faces. Its compact
wastewater treatment system, entitled Box4Water, is capable of filtering dirty water, making it fit for human consumption.
