The story of 3RQ-- including its origins, observed trends in water quality data, and successes through collaboration-- is now available in text. "Managing TDS and Sulfate in the Monongahela River: Three Rivers QUEST" is chapter 16 in the new textbook titled Environmental Impacts from the Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Reserves.
An excerpt from 3RQ's chapter reads:
"In the late summer of 2008, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Pittsburgh reported total dissolved solids (TDS) over 800 mg/L in the Monongahela River... The increasing TDS concentrations affected drinking water supplies for both residential and industrial users. Although TDS is not inherently unhealthy for drinking water, it is indicative of other water quality issues, such as high levels of minerals or toxins in the water. These elevated levels can cause issues ranging from bitter and metallic tasting water to more extreme events such as fish kills. The sources, seasonality, and composition of the TDS problem were unknown and required further investigation..."
Please see the flyer above for more information or if you are interested in purchasing at a reduced cost.