Probe of arsenic in Rome's drinking water to begin

ROME, March 3 (UPI) -- A panel of experts was appointed Monday to investigate high arsenic levels in Rome's drinking water.

Citizens' committees and consumers groups have criticized city administrators for delaying warnings to Rome residents.

City officials instructed residents not to drink tap water in late last year after arsenic levels were found to be higher than the European Union limit of 10 micrograms per liter in several districts of northern Rome.

The investigation will be led by prosecutor Roberto Cucchiari, the Italian news agency ANSA reported Monday.