Italy 'receives wastewater warning from EU'

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.