On March 25th, 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, 1.83 inches of precipitation was recorded at TF Green. This was the first sampling event of 2026.
Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River, compared to the Providence River (geometric mean of 88 MPN/100 mL for the Seekonk River compared to 25 MPN/100mL for the Providence River) for sampling conducted on March 25th. The maximum count (150 MPN/100 mL) was measured at the Off BP Outfall sampling location.
Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 21 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Conimicut Point and Point Street Bridge to 52 MPN/100 mL at Phillipsdale Landing.
The next scheduled sampling date is April 8th.
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.