Contaminants in the state’s drinking water are a concern, according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The problem is finding out just how much of a problem it is.

To help analyze the situation, ADEQ is seeking about 15 people from around the state to form a panel to measure the threats posed by contaminants and to come up with ways to mitigate them with the goal of keeping Arizona drinking water healthy.

While it may not have members yet, the group already has a name, the Advisory Panel on Emerging Contaminants. Its mission will be to look at contaminants like parasites, potentially harmful bacteria and the hepatitis A virus. It will also look at the risks posed by a source many people might not even consider, the effects of flushing chemicals, pharmaceuticals and other products down the drain.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, July 25, edition of The Camp Verde Journal or the Cottonwood Journal Extra.