Three Rivers Waterkeeper conducted a baseline sampling effort for PFAS contamination across Southwest PA to establish an understanding of the levels of PFAS contamination in Pittsburgh’s rivers and tributaries.

Three Rivers Waterkeeper conducted multiple sampling efforts along Sulphur Run following the Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, about a quarter-mile west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line. This report details the findings of our sampling efforts and further insight into water quality in the area.

During May to September, Three Rivers Waterkeeper sampled multiple popular recreation sites for their E. coli levels. This report summarizes the results of the sampling effort as a whole and draws conclusions on the water quality from our 2023 and 2024 sampling results.

At 3RWK, since 2022, we have been publishing annual reports that highlight our scientific findings, program achievements, and the progress of our work each year. These reports not only document key discoveries and environmental challenges but also share the impact of our efforts on the health of our watershed. Our reports are a way to reflect on what has been accomplished with your support and to share our vision for the future.

Environmental justice (EJ), or the lack of, is strongly dependent on geographical factors (Cutter, 1995). In
this project, we analyzed the compliance status of polluting facilities in two vulnerable communities in
the greater Pittsburgh area (based on US EPA criteria) to shed light on how environmental risk is
distributed.