BEIJING -- China issued rules Friday on review of local governments' prevention and treatment of water pollution in the next four years.

Local governments will be evaluated and rated on fulfillment of water quality targets and on key pollution prevention and treatment projects outlined in a national plan, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) and other ministries.

A nationwide work plan to deal with water pollution was introduced in April 2015.

The MEP will lead a work group to review progress each year until 2020.

Final review results, to be announced in 2021, will be a key reference for promotion of local government leaders and with sanctions for wrongdoing.