The Impact of Drought on Water Quality in the Monongahela

How the seasonal low water table affects water quality.

WV Water Research Institute

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Key elements of the success story through 3RQ and WVWRI

  1. Identification of Causes: Following the fish kill in Dunkard Creek, water quality monitoring efforts by WVWRI played a critical role in identifying the high levels of TDS as a major contributor to the algae bloom that led to the fish kill.
  2. Collaborative Monitoring: 3RQ, led by WVWRI and in partnership with universities, local groups, and government agencies, set up a coordinated water monitoring network. This provided a comprehensive view of the water quality in the Monongahela Watershed, leading to better understanding and detection of pollution sources;
  3. Restoration Efforts: The implementation of the Voluntary Discharge Management Plan by local coal companies quickly and efficiently decreased the concentrations of TDS in the Monongahela River by 2010. Since its implementation, the mainstem has not exceeded 500 mg/L.
  4. Public Engagement and Education: 3RQ emphasizes public engagement by sharing data and research findings, educating the community about water quality issues, and promoting stewardship of local watersheds.

References

Association of Mid-Atlantic Biologists. (n.d.). Dunkard Creek Fish Kill, Monongahela River West Virginia/Pennsylvania. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from Association of Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Biologists: https://www.amaab.org/images/1610_Dunkard_Kill_MidAtlan_10.pdf

Dupigny-Giroux, L. A., Mecray, E. L., Lemcke-Stampone, M. D., Hodgkins, G. A., Lentz, E. E., Mills, K. E., . . . Caldwell, C. (2018). Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment. . Washington, DC: U.S. Global Change Research Program. Retrieved October 3, 2024, from https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/18/

Fleig, A. K., Tallaksen, L. M., Hisdal, H., & Demuth, S. (2006). A global evaluation of streafmlow drought characterisitics. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 535-552. Retrieved from https://hess.copernicus.org/articles/10/535/2006/hess-10-535-2006.pdf

NOAA. (2024, September 30). National Integrated Drought Information System, West Virginia. Retrieved from National Integrated Drought Information System: https://www.drought.gov/states/west-virginia

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). What Climate Change Means for West Virginia. Washington, DC: USEPA.

 

Acknowledgements

Funding for the 3RQ program is provided by Colcom Foundation and Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.

West Virginia Water Research Institute 2024

Melissa Shafer, Rachel Spirnak, Sarah Nelson, Melissa O'Neal