FODC's Outdoor Learning Park

Información de la fuente

3 Rivers QUEST (3RQ), led by the West Virginia Water Research Institute at West Virginia University, provides routine monitoring on the mainstem and mouths of major tributaries of the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers. This is a coordinated effort of grassroots organizations such as watershed associations, conservation districts, individuals, and schools that contribute to the collection of important water quality data in additional tributaries and headwater streams of the three rivers basin. Beginning in the Summer 2025, 3RQ has started testing for total coliform and E.coli at boat launches and swimming areas in and around the greater Morgantown area as part of 3RQ's bacteriological monitoring program. Samples are collected monthly, during the first week of the month, from May through September and are analyzed using the IDEXX Quanti-Tray/2000 method. Results will be posted to the 3RQ website and SwimGuide within 48 hours of sampling. Sites either pass (green) or fail (red) following EPA guidelines for E.coli. When E.coli is EQUAL TO or EXCEEDS 410 CFU(Colony Forming Unit)/100mL, the site is marked as RED. When E.coli is LESS THAN 410 CFU(Colony Forming Unit)/100mL, the site is marked as GREEN. *The information presented on SwimGuide represents E.coli levels collected on specific sampling dates and does not reflect daily or continuous monitoring throughout the entire month. As such, it may not accurately represent overall monthly water quality conditions. E.coli concentrations can vary significantly due to environmental factors, particularly following rainfall events, which can increase bacteria levels due to surface runoff, sewage overflows, and resuspension of sediments. SwimGuide users should interpret the results with caution and consider these limitations when making decisions to participate in water-related activities.* For a complete list of all sites monitored for total coliform and E.coli, as well as previous data collected, visit https://3riversquest.wvu.edu/data/bacteria-monitoring. Please contact amaya.hamilton@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions regarding the bacteriological monitoring program.