On September 22nd, 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, 0.27 inches of precipitation was recorded at TF Green.
Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River, compared to the Providence River (geometric mean of 67 MPN/100 mL for the Seekonk River compared to 12 MPN/100mL for the Providence River) for sampling conducted on September 22nd. The maximum count (1,500 MPN/100 mL) was measured at the Point St. Bridge sampling location.
Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 33 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at most sites to 496 MPN/100 mL at Point St. Bridge.
The next scheduled sampling date is October 7th.
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.