On March 1, fifteen stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers. Four of these stations were also sampled for enterococci bacteria. Precipitation in the five days prior to sampling totaled 0.67 inches as recorded at TF Green.
The geometric mean of fecal coliform results for all sites was 11 MPN/100 mL compared to 25 MPN/100 mL on January 18, 2023. Overall, bacteria counts were lower in the Providence River this week than during the previous sampling event on January 18. The Providence River geomean this week was 10 MPN/ 100 mL. Only one site was sampled this week in the Seekonk River (43 MPN/100 mL at Crook Point). The maximum count (390 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Point St. Bridge in the Providence River.
Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 10 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci results ranged from non-detect at South FP East, Gaspee Point, and Conimicut Point to 52 MPN/100 mL at the Point St. Bridge site.
The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.
Summary of Rhode Island Bacteria Standards for Saltwater Primary Contact and Shellfishing
| | Fecal Coliform | Enterococci |
| Primary Contact1 | Geometric mean ≤50 MPN/100 mL <10% of samples >400 MPN/100 mL | Geometric mean ≤35 colonies/100 mL All samples ≤104 colonies/100 mL2 |
| Shellfishing | Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/100 mL <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3 | NO ENTEROCOCCI CRITERIA |
1Fecal coliform primary contact criteria applied only when adequate enterococci data are not available; 2Single sample maximum criterion for determining beach swimming advisories at designated beaches as evaluated by the Rhode Island Department of Health; 3For a three-tube decimal dilution
Table adapted from Rhode Island Water Quality Regulations (250-RICR-150-05-1); see regulations for complete details.