The Monongahela River originates in north-central West Virginia and flows northward through south-western Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh where it meets the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River. It is 128 miles long and has a drainage basin of 7,340 square miles. The West Virginia Water Research Institute at West Virginia University manages the entire 3RQ program and is responsible for monthly monitoring and reporting water quality data for 18 sites in the Monongahela River Basin, which includes the following Sub Basins:
Cheat – 1410 sq. miles in portions of Pennsylvania and West Virginia
Lower Monongahela – 1450 sq. miles in portions of Pennsylvania and West Virginia
Tygart Valley – 1380 sq. miles in West Virginia
Upper Monongahela – 463 sq. miles in portions of Pennsylvania and West Virginia
West Fork – 877 sq. miles in portions in West Virginia
Youghiogheny – 1730 sq. miles in portions of Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia
3RQ Targeted Studies in the Monongahela River Basin
Trihalomethanes in the Mon River Basin
Trihalomethanes (THMs), a family of halogenated disinfection byproducts, are ubiquitously present in finished drinking water. They form as a result of the interaction between organic matter and chlorination in the disinfection process. 3RQ has partnered with several water authorities in Southwestern Pennsylvania to study levels of THMs and conditions that affect their formation.
Learn More: View StoryMap, View Fact Sheet
Tenmile Creek
April 2014 testing results showed alarming levels of radium in discharges to Tenmile Creek from the abandoned Clyde Mine and coal refuse piles further upstream near Waynesburg and at the Cumberland Mine on Whiteley Creek. In response, 3RQ performed a targeted study to help provide reliable information to the communities surrounding Tenmile Creek who were concerned about the quality of their streams and their health.Learn more: View StoryMap, View Fact Sheet
Contact
Melissa O’Neal
Program Manager
West Virginia Water Research Institute
(304) 293-7006
Melissa.O’Neal@mail.wvu.edu