On September 9th, 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, 0.06 inches of precipitation was recorded at TF Green. 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 110 MPN/100 mL for the Seekonk River compared to 7 MPN/100mL for the Providence River) for sampling conducted on September 9th. The maximum count (930 MPN/100 mL) was measured at the Division St. Dock sampling location.
Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 36 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at most sites to 620 MPN/100 mL at Phillipsdale Landing.
The next scheduled sampling date is September 23rd.
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.