On July 30th, 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, 0.72 inches of precipitation were recorded at TF Green.
Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River, compared to the previous sampling on July 30th (geometric mean of 1,615 MPN/100 mL compared to 204 MPN/100 mL on 7/15). Fecal coliform counts were also higher in the Providence River, compared to the previous sampling (geometric mean of 8 MPN/100 mL on July 15th compared to 63 on July 30th).
Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 111 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Conimicut Point to 1,842 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.
The next scheduled sampling date is August 12th.
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.