Tara Franey

June 24, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from seven river stations and seven bay stations on June 24th.  All bay stations were sampled at the surface and bottom. In the five days prior to sampling, 2.01 inches of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green. 

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN) was observed at Blackstone River @ Slater Mill (1,545 ppb, average of duplicates). The highest total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed at Pawtuxet River @ Broad St.  (TDN = 1,480 ppb, DIN = 1,208 ppb). Higher TDN were observed at Woonasquatucket River @ Valley St. and Woonasquatucket River @ Manton Ave. Bridge; however, inconsistency between the TN and TDN results may indicate some reliability issues in those results. The lowest TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Moshassuck River @ Footbridge at Mill St. (TN = 806 ppb, TDN = 864 ppb, DIN =  700.9). The lowest TDN and DIN were observed at Palmer River @ Rt. 6 (, average of duplicates).

Among the bay stations sampled, the highest surface TN was observed at Pawtuxet Cove and Phillipsdale Landing (1,150 ppb). The highest surface TDN and DIN were observed at Pawtuxet Cove (TDN = 1,020 ppb, DIN = 729.4). The lowest surface TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Conimicut Point (TN = 554 ppb, TDN = 134 ppb, DIN = 72.9).

The next scheduled sampling date is July 8th, 2026.​

June 10, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from twelve river stations and eight bay stations on June 10th.  All bay stations were sampled at the surface, and Pawtuxet Cove was sampled at the surface and bottom. In the five days prior to sampling, 0.22 inches of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green. 

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed at Pawtuxet River @ Broad St.  (TN = 1,690 ppb, TDN = 1,810 ppb, DIN = 1,502.6 ppb). The lowest TN was observed at Runnins River @Rt. 6 (516 ppb). The lowest TDN and DIN were observed at Palmer River @ Rt. 6 (TDN = 286.5 ppb, DIN =  51.3, average of duplicates).

Among the bay stations sampled, the highest surface TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Pawtuxet Cove (TN = 1,200 ppb, TDN = 674 ppb, DIN = 761.9, average of duplicates). The lowest surface TN was observed at Conimicut Point (466 ppb). The lowest TDN was observed at Edgewood Shoal (<100 ppb). The lowest surface DIN was observed at seven of eight sites (13 ppb, reflecting minimum detection limits for DIN).

The next scheduled sampling date is June 24th, 2026.​

July 15, 2026

On July 15th, 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, 0.03 inches of precipitation were recorded at TF Green.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River, compared to the previous sampling on June 17th (geometric mean of 204 MPN/100 mL compared to 46 MPN/100 mL on 6/17). Fecal coliform counts were similar in the Providence River, compared to the previous sampling (geometric mean of 8 MPN/100 mL on July 15th compared to 9 on June 17th). 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 49 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at three sites to 717 MPN/100 mL at Phillipsdale Landing.

The next scheduled sampling date is July 29th.

Summary of Rhode Island Bacteria Standards for Saltwater Primary Contact and Shellfishing

 ​​​Fec​al Co​li​fo​r​mEnterococci
Primary
Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​
Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50​ MPN/1​​00​ mL​
<10% ​o​f​​ samples >4​00 MPN/100 ​mL
Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​
All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
ShellfishingGeometr​ic mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL
<10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​
NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA​

1Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

June 17, 2026

On June 17th, 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, 0.01 inches of precipitation were recorded at TF Green.

Fecal coliform counts were lower in the Seekonk River, compared to the previous sampling on June 3rd (geometric mean of 46 MPN/100 mL compared to 76 MPN/100 mL on 5/20). Fecal coliform counts were also lower in the Providence River, compared to the previous sampling (geometric mean of 9 MPN/100 mL on June 17th compared to 13 on June 3rd). 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 14 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at most sites to 30 MPN/100 mL at Point Street Bridge and Phillipsdale Landing.

The next scheduled sampling date is July 1st.

Summary of Rhode Island Bacteria Standards for Saltwater Primary Contact and Shellfishing

 ​​​Fec​al Co​li​fo​r​mEnterococci
Primary
Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​
Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50​ MPN/1​​00​ mL​
<10% ​o​f​​ samples >4​00 MPN/100 ​mL
Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​
All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
ShellfishingGeometr​ic mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL
<10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​
NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA​

1Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

June 3, 2026

On June 3rd, 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, 0.25 inches of precipitation were recorded at TF Green.

Fecal coliform counts were lower in the Seekonk River, compared to the previous sampling on May 20th (geometric mean of 76 MPN/100 mL compared to 91 MPN/100 mL on 5/20). Fecal coliform counts were also lower in the Providence River, compared to the previous sampling (geometric mean of 13 MPN/100 mL on June 3rd compared to 18 on May 20th). 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 14 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at most sites to 134 MPN/100 mL at Point Street Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is June 17th.

Summary of Rhode Island Bacteria Standards for Saltwater Primary Contact and Shellfishing

 ​​​Fec​al Co​li​fo​r​mEnterococci
Primary
Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​
Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50​ MPN/1​​00​ mL​
<10% ​o​f​​ samples >4​00 MPN/100 ​mL
Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​
All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
ShellfishingGeometr​ic mean ≤14 MPN/100​ mL
<10% of samples >49 MPN/100 mL3​
NO ENTEROCOCCI CR​ITERIA​

1Fecal coliform primary contact criteria app​lied 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.​​​​​​​​​​

May 27, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from seven river stations and seven bay stations on May 27th. All bay stations were sampled at the surface and bottom. In the five days prior to sampling, 1.04 inches of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green. 

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN) and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) were observed at Blackstone River @ Slater Mill and Blackstone River @ Bikepath Bridge (TN = 1,080 ppb, TDN = 1,090 ppb). The highest dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) was observed at Blackstone River @ Slater Mill (757.7 ppb). The lowest TN was observed at Woonasquatucket River @ Manton Ave. Bridge (734 ppb). The lowest TDN and DIN were observed at Pawtuxet River @ Broad St. (TDN = 393 ppb, DIN = 150.7).

Among the bay stations sampled, the highest surface TN and TDN were observed at Phillipsdale Landing (TN = 1,070 ppb, TDN = 870 ppb). The highest DIN was observed at Pawtuxet Cove (466.5 ppb). The lowest surface TN was observed at Bullock Reach Buoy (464 ppb). The lowest TDN was observed at Conimicut Point (149 ppb). The lowest surface DIN was observed at Conimicut Point, Edgewood Yacht Club, and Bullock Reach Buoy (13 ppb, reflecting minimum detection limits for DIN).

The next scheduled sampling date is June 10th, 2026.​

May 12-13, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from thirteen river stations and eight bay stations on May 12-13th. All bay stations were sampled at the surface, and Edgewood Shoal was sampled at the surface and bottom. In the five days prior to sampling, 0.57 inches of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green. 

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed Ten Mile River at Central Ave. (TN = 1,510 ppb, DIN = 1,041.1 ppb). The highest  total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) was observed at Moshassuck River @ Footbridge at Mill St. (1,610 ppb). However, a significantly higher TDN compared to the TN observed at this site may indicate an issue with the sampling or analysis. The lowest TN, and TDN were observed at Moshassuck River @ Higginson Ave (TN = 470 ppb, TDN = 329 ppb). The lowest DIN was observed at Coles River @ Milford Rd. (45.4 ppb).

Among the bay stations sampled, the highest surface TN and TDN were observed at Phillipsdale Landing (TN = 1,110 ppb, TDN = 1,080 ppb). The highest surface DIN was observed at Pawtuxet Cove (598.2 ppb). The lowest surface TN was observed at Edgewood Shoal (507 ppb). The lowest TDN was observed at Conimicut Point (<100.0 ppb). The lowest surface DIN was observed at Edgewood Yacht Club and Edgewood Shoal (13 ppb, reflecting minimum detection limits for DIN).

The next scheduled sampling date is May 27th, 2026.​

April 29, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from seven river stations and seven bay stations on April 29th. All bay stations were sampled at the surface and bottom. In the five days prior to sampling, trace amounts of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green. 

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed Pawtuxet River @ Broad St (TN = 1,040 ppb, DIN = 942.2 ppb). The highest  total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) was observed at Blackstone River @ Slater Mill (1,750 ppb). However, a significantly higher TDN compared to the TN observed at this site may indicate an issue with the sampling or analysis. The lowest TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Moshassuck River @ Footbridge at Mill St (TN = 524 ppb, TDN = 573 ppb, DIN = 408.1).

Among the bay stations sampled, the highest surface TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Pawtuxet Cove (TN = 971 ppb, TDN = 1,260 ppb, DIN = 739.1). The lowest surface TN was observed at Pomham Rocks (359 ppb). The lowest TDN was observed at Conimicut Point, Pomham Rocks, and Bullock Reach Buoy (<100.0 ppb). The lowest surface DIN was observed at Conimicut Point (13 ppb, reflecting minimum detection limits for DIN).

The next scheduled sampling date is May 12th, 2026.​

April 15, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from thirteen river stations and eight bay stations on April 15th. All bay stations were sampled at the surface, and Edgewood Shoal was sampled at the surface and bottom. In the five days prior to sampling, 0.03” of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green. 

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed Ten Mile River @ Central Ave (TN = 1,680 ppb, TDN = 1,680 ppb, DIN = 1,388.7 ppb). The lowest TN and TDN were observed at Moshassuck River @ Higginson Ave (TN = 426 ppb, TDN = 416 ppb). The lowest DIN was observed at Coles River @ Milford Rd (149 ppb).

Among the bay stations sampled, the highest surface TN and TDN were observed at Phillipsdale Landing (TN = 1,024 ppb, TDN = 975.5 ppb, average of duplicates). The highest DIN was observed at Pawtuxet Cove (729.8 ppb). The lowest surface TN and TDN were observed at Conimicut Point (TN = 474 ppb, TDN = 168 ppb). The lowest surface DIN was observed at Conimicut Point and Bullock Reach Buoy (13 ppb, reflecting minimum detection limits for DIN).

The next scheduled sampling date is April 29th, 2026.​

April 1, 2026

Nutrient samples were collected from fourteen river stations on April 1st. In the five days prior to sampling, 0.08” of precipitation were recorded at T.F. Green. 

Among the river stations sampled, the highest total nitrogen (TN), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were observed at Ten Mile River @ Central Ave (TN = 1,790 ppb, TDN = 2,240 ppb, DIN = 1,608 ppb). The lowest TN, TDN, and DIN were observed at Coles River @ Milford Rd (TN = 602 ppb, TDN = 574 ppb, DIN = 215.3 ppb).

The next scheduled sampling date is April 15th, 2026.​

Scroll to Top