News – Narrabay

Clean Water Open House: Follow the Flush!

In celebration of Rhode Island Clean Water Week, the Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) will offer free public tours of its award-winning Field’s Point Wastewater Treatment Facility in Providence on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The tours will include a look at the region’s most sophisticated water quality lab, “touch-a-truck” and “touch-a-boat” with the NBC’s maintenance and research vehicles, photo ops inside a sewer pipe, and other fun activities.

In addition, the NBC will issue certificates of completion to all students who take the tour that may be redeemed for extra credit at school (but students are advised check with their teacher first).

Members of the public can book a tour at 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM or 12:00 noon by emailing nbcpr@narrabay.com. Spaces are limited. The tour will take approximately 90 minutes.

Enter NBC’s 2027 Student Poster Contest Today!

Contest deadline is Friday, May 1!

The Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) is proud to sponsor its 33rd annual student poster contest. The theme of this year’s contest is Water’s Journey Through Time. The NBC would like students to artistically showcase how water has changed or will change over time. Students may want to research what the Narragansett Bay looked like many years ago and depict that view in their poster. Some may want to use their imaginations and create a poster of what Narragansett Bay will look like 20, 30, 40, or even 50 years from now. Others may want to create snapshots of Narragansett Bay starting in the past and traveling into the future. We encourage students to use their creativity and come up with their own idea of what the theme means to them.

The theme of the poster contest this year correlates with an event where NBC will open a time capsule that was buried 25 years ago. The time capsule was buried on April 24, 2001, in honor of NBC Field’s Point Wastewater Treatment Facility’s 100^th birthday! The ceremony will take place during Clean Water Week. There are other events happening around the state honoring water that week. Please visit https://ricwa.org/event/clean-water-week-open-house/ to learn more.

The contest rules are as follows:

Students must be in grades K-6 and reside in Providence, North Providence, Johnston, Central Falls, Lincoln, Pawtucket, Cumberland, Cranston, Smithfield, or East Providence.
Posters cannot be larger than 11×17 or smaller than 8 1/2×11.
Posters must include the student’s name, grade, school, home address, and phone number on the back.
Posters become the property of the Narragansett Bay Commission.
Winners receive a $100 cash prize, winning posters are printed in NBC’s 2027 poster calendar, and winners are invited to a recognition ceremony on Wednesday, June 3^rd, 2026 at 5:00 at the NBC Field’s Point Wastewater Treatment Facility at 2 Ernest Street, Providence.
Mail posters to the Narragansett Bay Commission’s Public Affairs Office at One Service Road, Providence, RI 02905.
THE CONTEST DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026!

We hope that your school will be able to participate in the contest! For more information, please call the NBC’s Environmental Education Coordinator at 401-443-4947.

Win a $250 Gift Card!

Want to win a $250 gift card? You can with the Narragansett Bay Commission AutoPay and paperless e-billing sweepstakes! To enter, visit www.narrabay.com/customer-care/pay-bill/ and log into your account. Enroll in either AutoPay or paperless e-billing and you’re in. Current users will automatically be entered.

The sweepstakes runs from November 1, 2025 – January 31,2026, making it the perfect way to get your new year started right. Enroll and enter today.

NBC Welcomes New CFO

Kevin McDonald has joined the Narragansett Bay Commission as Chief Financial Officer, where he will oversee the agency’s $302 M annual budget, which includes significant infrastructure investments such as the final phase of the agency’s Combined Sewer Overflow project. Mc Donald previously served as Director of Loan Operations for the US Army Corps of Engineers Water Infrastructure Financing Program and as a Senior Underwriter for the USEPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program.

“We are so pleased to welcome Kevin to the NBC,” said Executive Director Laurie Horridge. “His knowledge of public finance—and the water sector specifically—will benefit both the NBC’s ratepayers and the health of Narragansett Bay. We look forward to his collaboration and innovation as we continue to deliver on our clean water mission.”

McDonald has an undergraduate degree from Brown University in American History and a graduate degree from Harvard University in City and Regional Planning.

“Follow the Flush” with a Free Tour!

Narragansett Bay Commission Offers Free Clean Water Tours: Follow the Flush!

The tours will include a look at the region’s most sophisticated water quality lab, “touch-a-truck” and “touch-a-boat” with the NBC’s maintenance and research vehicles, a clean water scavenger hunt, and other fun activities.

“This facility is simultaneously one of the oldest and most advanced clean water facilities in the nation,” said NBC Chairman Vincent Mesolella. “We’re so excited to give the public the opportunity to ‘follow the flush’ and view the process that has made Narragansett Bay cleaner than it has been in 150 years.”

In addition, the NBC will issue certificates of completion to all students who take the tour that may be redeemed for extra credit at school (but students are advised check with their teacher first).

“I am confident that anyone who experiences this tour will be amazed and appreciative by the clean water efforts in our community,” Mesolella added.

Members of the public can book a tour on the half hours between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM by emailing nbcpr@narrabay.com. Spaces are limited. The tour will take approximately 90 minutes.

The NBC joins four other clean water agencies in Rhode Island offering free public tours during Rhode Island Clean Water Week. Information on other tours is available at ricwa.org

April 29, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from seven river stations and seven bay stations on April 29^th. All bay stations were sampled at the surface and bottom. In the five days prior to sampling, trace amounts of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green.

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed Pawtuxet River @ Broad St (TN = 1,040 ppb, DIN = 942.2 ppb). The highest total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) was observed at Blackstone River @ Slater Mill (1,750 ppb). However, a significantly higher TDN compared to the TN observed at this site may indicate an issue with the sampling or analysis. The lowest TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Moshassuck River @ Footbridge at Mill St (TN = 524 ppb, TDN = 573 ppb, DIN = 408.1).

Among the bay stations sampled, the highest surface TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Pawtuxet Cove (TN = 971 ppb, TDN = 1,260 ppb, DIN = 739.1). The lowest surface TN was observed at Pomham Rocks (359 ppb). The lowest TDN was observed at Conimicut Point, Pomham Rocks, and Bullock Reach Buoy (<100.0 ppb). The lowest surface DIN was observed at Conimicut Point (13 ppb, reflecting minimum detection limits for DIN).

The next scheduled sampling date is May 12^th, 2026.

April 15, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from thirteen river stations and eight bay stations on April 15^th. All bay stations were sampled at the surface, and Edgewood Shoal was sampled at the surface and bottom. In the five days prior to sampling, 0.03” of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green.

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed Ten Mile River @ Central Ave (TN = 1,680 ppb, TDN = 1,680 ppb, DIN = 1,388.7 ppb). The lowest TN and TDN were observed at Moshassuck River @ Higginson Ave (TN = 426 ppb, TDN = 416 ppb). The lowest DIN was observed at Coles River @ Milford Rd (149 ppb).

Among the bay stations sampled, the highest surface TN and TDN were observed at Phillipsdale Landing (TN = 1,024 ppb, TDN = 975.5 ppb, average of duplicates). The highest DIN was observed at Pawtuxet Cove (729.8 ppb). The lowest surface TN and TDN were observed at Conimicut Point (TN = 474 ppb, TDN = 168 ppb). The lowest surface DIN was observed at Conimicut Point and Bullock Reach Buoy (13 ppb, reflecting minimum detection limits for DIN).

The next scheduled sampling date is April 29^th, 2026.

April 1, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from fourteen river stations on April 1^st. In the five days prior to sampling, 0.08” of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green.

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed at Ten Mile River @ Central Ave (TN = 1,790 ppb, TDN = 2,240 ppb, DIN = 1,608 ppb). The lowest TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Coles River @ Milford Rd (TN = 602 ppb, TDN = 574 ppb, DIN = 215.3 ppb).

The next scheduled sampling date is April 15^th, 2026.

June 3, 2026

Water clarity was measured at seven locations in the Providence River and Seekonk River estuaries on June 3, 2026. In the five days prior to the survey, 0.21 inches of precipitation were recorded at TF Green. Secchi depth averaged 2.7 meters. The lowest clarity this week (1.9 meters) was measured at Phillipsdale Landing and Edgewood Yacht Club, while the greatest clarity (3.5 meters) was measured at Conimicut Point. There was no clear north-to-south gradient in water clarity among the sites this week. Overall, water clarity increased from the previous measurements (data collected May 28, 2026).

May 20, 2026

On May 20^th, 2026, twenty stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers; five of these stations were also sampled for enterococci bacteria. In the five days prior to sampling, trace amounts of precipitation were recorded at TF Green.

Fecal coliform counts were lower in the Seekonk River, compared to the previous sampling on May 7^th (geometric mean of 91 MPN/100 mL compared to 103 MPN/100 mL on 5/7). Fecal coliform counts were similar in the Providence River, compared to the previous sampling on May 7^th (geometric mean of 26 MPN/100 mL on both sampling days).

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 13 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at most sites to 74 MPN/100 mL at Point Street Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is June 3^rd.

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.

May 7, 2026

On May 7^th, 2026, sixteen stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers; five of these stations were also sampled for enterococci bacteria. In the five days prior to sampling, 0.28” of precipitation was recorded at TF Green.

Fecal coliform counts were lower in the Seekonk River, compared to the previous sampling on April 23^rd (geometric mean of 103 MPN/100 mL compared to 223 MPN/100 mL on 4/23). Fecal coliform counts were lower in the Providence River, compared to the previous sampling on April 23^rd (geometric mean of 26 MPN/100 mL compared to 16 MPN/100 mL on 4/23).

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 21 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at most sites to 988 MPN/100 mL at Point Street Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is May 20^th.

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

Table adapted from Rhode Island Water Quality Regulations (250-RICR-150-05-1); see regulations for complete details.

May 27, 2026

Water column profiles were conducted using a Seabird Electronics profiler at six locations in the Providence River and one location in the Seekonk River on May 27, 2026. In the four days leading up to and including the survey day, there were 1.04 inches of rain recorded at T.F. Green International Airport (Warwick, RI). The water column was strongly stratified at Pawtuxet Cove, Pomham Rocks, India Point Park, and Phillipsdale Landing, moderately stratified at Bullock’s Reach and Conimicut Point, and weakly stratified at Edgewood Yacht Club.

Dissolved oxygen conditions were slightly below the hypoxia threshold (2.9 mg/L) in the lower part of the water column at Phillipsdale Landing. The highest fluorescence reading was observed about 2.00 meters below the surface at Pomham Rocks.

May 28, 2026

Water clarity was measured at seven locations in the Providence River and Seekonk River estuaries on May 28, 2026. In the five days prior to the survey, 1.04 inches of precipitation were recorded at TF Green. Secchi depth averaged 2.0 meters. The lowest clarity this week (1.5 meters) was measured at Pomham Rocks and Pawtuxet Cove, while the greatest clarity (2.7 meters) was measured at Bullock Reach and Conimicut Point. There was no clear north-to-south gradient in water clarity among the sites this week. Overall, water clarity decreased from the previous measurements (data collected May 19, 2026).

May 19, 2026

Water column profiles were conducted using a Seabird Electronics profiler at six locations in the Providence River and one location in the Seekonk River on May 19, 2026. Trace amounts of rain were recorded at T.F. Green International Airport (Warwick, RI) in the four days leading up to and including the survey day. The water column was strongly stratified at Pomham Rocks, moderately stratified at Edgewood Yacht Club, India Point Park, and Phillipsdale Landing, and weakly stratified at Point St. Bridge, Conimicut Point, and Bullock’s Reach.

Dissolved oxygen conditions were not below the hypoxia threshold (2.9 mg/L) at any of the visited locations. The highest fluorescence reading was observed about 2.25 meters below the surface at Edgewood Yacht Club.

May 12, 2026

Water column profiles were conducted using a Seabird Electronics profiler at seven locations in the Providence River and one location in the Seekonk River on May 12, 2026. In the four days leading up to and including the survey day, there were 0.34 inches of rain recorded at T.F. Green International Airport (Warwick, RI). The water column was strongly stratified at Conimicut Point, Bullock’s Reach, Pomham Rocks, and India Point Park, and weakly stratified at Edgewood Shoal, Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet Cove, and Phillipsdale Landing.

Dissolved oxygen conditions were not below the hypoxia threshold (2.9 mg/L) at any of the visited locations. The highest fluorescence reading was observed about 3.25 meters below the surface at Conimicut Point.