1. Member States shall ensure that all agglomerations are provided with collecting systems for urban waste water,
- at the latest by 31 December 2000 for those with a population equivalent (p.e.) of more than 15000, and
- at the latest by 31 December 2005 for those with a p.e. of between 2000 and 15000.
For urban waste water discharging into receiving waters which are considered "sensitive areas" as defined under Article 5, Member States shall ensure that collection systems are provided at the latest by 31 December 1998 for agglomerations of more than 10000 p.e.
Where the establishment of a collecting system is not justified either because it would produce no environmental benefit or because it would involve excessive cost, individual systems or other appropriate systems which achieve the same level of environmental protection shall be used.
2. Collecting systems described in paragraph 1 shall satisfy the requirements of Annex I (A). These requirements may be amended in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 18.