Partner Highlight: Three River Quest

WHAT IS 3RQ?

Water: One of our most precious and vital resources, it is essential for life and economic prosperity. Yet so many of the activities that keep our economy alive and growing also threaten our water resources.

At the West Virginia Water Research Institute, we understand how essential clean water is to our way of life. We work to establish programs and new initiatives that help to develop new technologies and inform policy to keep our water protected. It is this dedication to clean water that was the catalyst for the long-term, comprehensive water quality monitoring and reporting program we call Three Rivers QUEST (3RQ).

Water: One of our most precious and vital resources, it is essential for life and economic prosperity. Yet so many of the activities that keep our economy alive and growing also threaten our water resources.

At the West Virginia Water Research Institute, we understand how essential clean water is to our way of life. We work to establish programs and new initiatives that help to develop new technologies and inform policy to keep our water protected. It is this dedication to clean water that was the catalyst for the long-term, comprehensive water quality monitoring and reporting program we call Three Rivers QUEST (3RQ).

The 3RQ project monitors rivers, tributaries and headwater streams that drain an area of over 25,000 square miles in five states. It brings together academic researchers, citizen scientists, and conservation groups to collect, analyze, and monitor important water quality data. This data is displayed on the 3RQ website and can be seen here. This data is displayed to provide the public, other researchers, federal and state agencies, and industry with timely and accurate information as it pertains to the overall health of our local rivers and streams.

What 3RQ can do for groups –

Within the Upper Ohio River Basin, 3RQ…

    • Collects long-term monthly water quality samples in the Mon, Allegheny, and Ohio and/or key tributaries and shares publicly via online maps.
    • Conducts additional, short-term targeted sampling to investigate specific water quality concerns brought to our attention (Targeted Studies Program).
    • Provides technical advice or connects groups with a subject matter expert regarding water quality concerns, stream condition questions, etc. and assists with developing a sampling plan for the group to carry out (which parameters to test for, locations, frequency, equipment recommendations).
    • Provides funding or field assistance to collect water quality data that will lead to a stream restoration project (GAPS program).
    • Connects watershed groups to WVU, Duquesne, and/or West Liberty students to complete research/outreach projects (Common Waters program).
    • Provides free use of the WATERS database for water quality data, including technical support for using the database.
    • Host datasets on our free 3RQ Mapping Tool

Regardless of geographic location, 3RQ…

      • Provides free use of the WATERS database for water quality data, including technical support for using the database.

Regardless of geographic location, WVWRI can…

  • Serve as a technical resource regarding acid mine drainage characterization and remediation, as well as the investigation of rare earth element/critical materials extraction from AMD.
  • Apply for funding in partnership with other entities for water quality-related projects within the region. Can serve as lead applicant and project manager.
  • Provide technical advice or connect groups with a subject matter expert regarding water quality concerns, stream condition questions, etc. and assist with developing a sampling plan for the group to carry out (which parameters to test for, locations, frequency, equipment recommendations).
3RQ