(ANSA) - Rome, August 14 - Untreated sewage is contaminating many parts of Italy's coasts, the Legambiente environmental NGO warned Thursday.

Scientists from the organization found excessive fecal bacteria in 55% of 264 seawater samples taken from locations up and down the Italian peninsula, the NGO said.

This means polluted water can be found every 51 kms or so along the coast, according to Legambiente. Toxic levels were found in most regions, but Abruzzo and Marche, both of which are summer holiday destinations, had the highest rate at 88% and 83% respectively, followed by Calabria (79%) and Lazio (75%).

Italy could incur a 500-million-euro fine from the European Union for dumping untreated sewage into its rivers and seas, Legambiente said.

"The money would be better spent on building sewage treatment plants," the organization suggested.

