Near Morgantown in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Clean Mountain Water?
The Story of the Tibbs Run Reservoir
| — | West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve | — |
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 27, 2026
1. Clean Mountain Water? Marker
Why the Water Needed Testing
As Morgantown grew, the city relied more on the Monongahela River for water. But this water was not always clean. In the 1920s, WVU researchers found problems with river water coming from upstream pollution. They noticed smaller problems with Tibbs Run Reservoir. Chemical treatment was recommended for both water sources - the type and amount depended on whether it came from the river or the reservoir.
Treating the Reservoir
In 1935, workers built a 250-foot by 100-foot wooden wall around the outlet tower. Sediment sank inside the wall before water was treated. You can still see parts of the wall when the water is very low.
That same year, a chemical feed house was built. It held equipment to mix lime into the water. Chlorine was also added to make the water safer. David Fields, who lived nearby, was the reservoir's first caretaker, followed shortly by Ralph Lemley.
(Captions):
Cross section of chemical feed house.
Chemical feed house and treatment pond during low water. Caretaker Ralph Lemley with equipment in 1971.
Erected 2026 by West Virginia Botanic Garden.
Topics.
this page online
Location. 39° 37.634′ N, 79° 52.168′ W. Marker is near Morgantown, West Virginia, in Monongalia County. It can be reached from Tyrone Road (County Route 75) 0.1 miles south of Quartz Drive, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located on the Reservoir Loop Trail at the West Virginia Botanic Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown WV 26508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: How the Reservoir Worked (within shouting distance
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 27, 2026
2. Clean Mountain Water? Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. "Clean Mountain Water" Not So Clean (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Remnants of the Past: The Dam and Outlet Tower (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Who Wants Clean Water? (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
