The European Commission has warned several member countries they have failed to comply with European Union rules on dealing with water pollution.

　　The Commission - the top EU executive body - sent final written warnings to nine countries Thursday that failed to comply with a December 2003 deadline for adopting the rules governing the quality of lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Those countries must adopt implementing laws within two months or face prosecution before the European Court of Justice.

　　The Commission also sent preliminary warnings to seven countries that failed to meet a December 2000 deadline for installing water treatment facilities for urban areas with more than 15,000 residents. This type of warning requires a written response within two months.

　　The United Kingdom, Portugal, and Italy each received both letters from the Commission.

　　Belgium, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Sweden also received the final warning. France, Greece, Ireland and Spain were among those which received the preliminary letter.