3RQ Bacteriological Monitoring
3 Rivers Quest (3RQ) has started monitoring nine sites in and around the greater Morgantown area as part of the organization's bacteriological monitoring program. These sites are tested the first week of each month during the recreation season (May-October), and major swimming locations (Deckers Creek Gorge and Cheat Lake at Millstone Point Beach) are tested again the third week of each month. Results are typically posted on the 3RQ website, WVWRI Instagram and Facebook pages, and SwimGuide within 48 hours of sampling. The bacteriological samples are analyzed using IDEXX Quanti-Tray/2000 and total coliform and E.coli are included in the bacteria analysis. 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.
You can view past data here.
Sites We Monitor
This Month's Results
What Are Coliform Bacteria/E.coli?
Coliform bacteria include many types of bacteria that exist naturally throughout the environment, including in soil and surface water, but also exist in the intestines of humans and animals. Coliform bacteria present in water does not necessarily indicate the water is unsafe. Coliform bacteria can indicate the potential presence of disease-causing bacteria in water, as their presence indicates a contamination pathway exists between a source of bacteria and the waterway. With a contamination pathway available, disease-causing bacteria may be able to enter the waterway.
E.coli, also known as Escherichia coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria which is commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. Though most strains of E.coli do not cause harm, few strains can produce a powerful toxin that causes severe illness and death. For this reason, having positive E.coli results is a better risk indicator than considering only total coliforms and indicate that human or animal waste is entering a waterway.
Any questions or comments? Email Amaya Hamilton at amaya.hamilton@mail.wvu.edu.