​On August 28th, 2024 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, precipitation totaled 0.38 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were lower in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 53 MPN/100 mL and 13 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Bishop Point and Point St Bridge. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 14 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from 110 MPN/100 mL at Point St. Bridge to <10 MPN/100 mL at all other sites.

The next scheduled sampling date is September 11th.

​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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL​ <10% ​o​f​​ samples >4​00 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​	NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA

¹Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​On August 14th, 2024 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, precipitation totaled 0.05 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were lower in the Seekonk River and higher in the Providence River than during the previous sampling event. 

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 95 MPN/100 mL and 38 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (930 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Point St Bridge. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 14 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Phillipsdale Landing, South FP East, Gaspee Point, and Conimicut Point to 121 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is August 28.

​​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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL​ <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/​100​ mL <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​	NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA

¹Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

On August 1st, 2024 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, precipitation totaled 0.11 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event. 

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 249 MPN/100 mL and 33 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (2300 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Point St Bridge. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 14 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Gaspee Point and Conimicut Point to 86 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is August 14.

​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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL​ <10% ​o​f​​ sam​ples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​	NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA

¹Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

On July 17, 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, precipitation totaled 1.10 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were lower in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 188 MPN/100 mL and 24 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (930 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Bishop Point. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 15 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at South FP East, Gaspee Point, and Conimicut Point to 85 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is July 31.

​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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL​ <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​	NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA

¹Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

On July 3, 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, precipitation totaled 1.53 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 367 MPN/100 mL and 44 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum counts (930 MPN/100 mL) were measured at Bishop Point and Point St Bridge. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 20 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at South FP East and Conimicut Point to 145 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is July 17.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL​ <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​	NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA

¹Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​

On June 17th, seventeen 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, precipitation totaled 0.06 inches as recorded at TF Green.

Overall, bacteria counts were lower in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 135 MPN/100 mL and 52 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Collier Point Park. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 18 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Gaspee Point and Conimicut Point to 98 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is July 3.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​	NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA

¹Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​

On June 5th, 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, there was no precipitation recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 204 MPN/100 mL and 13 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum counts (930 MPN/100 mL) were measured at Bishop Point and Off BP Outfall. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 28 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Gaspee Point and Conimicut Point to 158 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is June 17.

​

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

​	​​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​	NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA

¹Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

On May 22nd, 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, precipitation totaled 0.27 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event on April 24th. 

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 135 MPN/100 mL and 52 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Collier Point Park. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 15 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Conimicut Point to 85 MPN/100 mL at Phillipsdale Landing.

The next scheduled sampling date is June 5.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL <10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​	NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA

¹Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​