Illinois water quality probed

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is expanding its water quality monitoring to determine the possible presence of pharmaceuticals that could exist in state waterways.

Governor Rod Blagojevich says the move is in response to an investigation by The Associated Press.

The AP inquiry found drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas. None were in Illinois. The Illinois EPA will expand its testing of water supplies through a partnership with the city of Chicago focusing on its drinking water.

The state EPA will also offer testing to communities downstream from wastewater treatment plants. Blagojevich says safe drinking water is the "highest priority."