On August 12th, 2026 nineteen stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers; five of these stations were also sampled for enterococci bacteria. There was no precipitation at TF Green over the five days prior to the August 12th, 2026 sampling event. Overall, bacteria counts were lower than during the previous sampling event.
Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River, compared to the Providence River (geometric mean of 50 MPN/100 mL for the Seekonk River compared to 10 MPN/100mL for the Providence River) for sampling conducted on August 12th. The maximum count (930 MPN/100 mL) was measured at the Point St Bridge sampling location.
Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 24 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at most sites to 256 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.
The next scheduled sampling date is August 26th.
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.