Water column profiles were conducted using a Seabird Electronics profiler at six locations in the Providence River and one location in the Seekonk River on September 16, 2026. In the five days leading up to this, there were 4.18 inches of rain recorded at T.F. Green International Airport (Warwick, RI). The water column was weakly stratified at Bullock Reach, Conimicut Point, Edgewood Yacht Club and Pomham Rocks. Moderate stratification was observed at India Point Park and Phillipsdale Landing. The water column at Pawtuxet Cove was strongly stratified.
Dissolved oxygen conditions below the hypoxia threshold (2.9 mg/L) were observed in the lower part of the water column at Edgewood Yacht Club, India Point Park and Phillipsdale Landing. The highest fluorescence reading was observed one meter below the surface at Phillipsdale Landing.