Bay Bacteria Sampling

On July 17, 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, precipitation totaled 1.10 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were lower in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 188 MPN/100 mL and 24 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (930 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Bishop Point. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 15 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at South FP East, Gaspee Point, and Conimicut Point to 85 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is July 31.

​The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL​ <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​

On July 3, 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, precipitation totaled 1.53 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 367 MPN/100 mL and 44 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum counts (930 MPN/100 mL) were measured at Bishop Point and Point St Bridge. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 20 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at South FP East and Conimicut Point to 145 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is July 17.

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​

On June 17th, seventeen 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, precipitation totaled 0.06 inches as recorded at TF Green.

Overall, bacteria counts were lower in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 135 MPN/100 mL and 52 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Collier Point Park. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 18 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Gaspee Point and Conimicut Point to 98 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is July 3.

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​

On June 5th, 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, there was no precipitation recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event.

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 204 MPN/100 mL and 13 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum counts (930 MPN/100 mL) were measured at Bishop Point and Off BP Outfall. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 28 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Gaspee Point and Conimicut Point to 158 MPN/100 mL at Point St Bridge.

The next scheduled sampling date is June 17.

​

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​

On May 22nd, 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, precipitation totaled 0.27 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers than during the previous sampling event on April 24th. 

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 135 MPN/100 mL and 52 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Collier Point Park. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 15 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Conimicut Point to 85 MPN/100 mL at Phillipsdale Landing.

The next scheduled sampling date is June 5.

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​

On April 24th, 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, precipitation totaled 0.28 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were lower in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers this week than during the previous sampling event on March 27th, likely because of the drier weather leading up to sampling. 

Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 59 MPN/100 mL and 7 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Point St Bridge. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 14 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at South FP East, Gaspee Point, and Conimicut Point to 41 MPN/100 mL at Phillipsdale Landing.

The next scheduled sampling date is May 8.

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies​/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​

On March 27th, 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, precipitation totaled 3.12 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers this week than during the previous sampling event on March 13th, likely because this event had less time in between the rainfall and sampling. 

Fecal coliform counts were slightly lower in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 51 MPN/100 mL and 66 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at both Collier Point Park and Off FP Outfall. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 26 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from 20 MPN/100 mL at South FP East to 41 MPN/100 mL at both Phillipsdale Landing and Gaspee Point.

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​
​

On March 13th, twenty stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence River and Seekonk River; five of these stations were also sampled for enterococci bacteria. In the five days prior to sampling, precipitation totaled 2.32 inches as recorded at TF Green. 

Fecal coliform counts were slightly lower in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 29 MPN/100 mL and 33 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Point Street Bridge. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 12 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci counts ranged from non-detect at most sites to a max of 31 MPN/100 mL at Point Street Bridge.​

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​On November 21, 2023, 15 stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers; 3 of these stations were also sampled for enterococci bacteria. There was a smaller set of locations sampled than normal due to cold weather conditions and time constraints. In the five days prior to sampling, precipitation totaled 0.15 inches as recorded at TF Green. ​

Overall, bacteria levels were lower in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers this week than during the previous sampling event on October 25th. Fecal coliform levels similar in the Seekonk River and Providence River sites (geometric means of 22 MPN/100 mL and 23 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum concentration (230 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Point St Bridge. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 19 MPN/100 mL and ranged from <10 MPN/100 mL at Phillipsdale Landing and South FP East to 134 MPN/100 mL at Point St. Bridge.

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fec​al Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​

​On October 25^th, 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, precipitation totaled 1.14 inches as recorded at TF Green. Overall, bacteria counts were higher in both the Seekonk and Providence Rivers this week than during the previous sampling event on October 11th. Fecal coliform counts were higher in the Seekonk River sites than in the Providence River sites (geometric means of 187 MPN/100 mL and 55 MPN/100 mL, respectively). The maximum count (930 MPN/100 mL) was measured at India Point Park. 

Enterococci results had an overall geometric mean of 55 MPN/100 mL and ranged from 10 MPN/100 mL in one of the duplicate samples at Conimicut Point to 160 MPN/100 mL at South FP East.

The table below lists the Rhode Island bacteria standards for primary contact and shellfishing established by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). RIDEM defines primary contact as any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact with water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water (e.g., swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing). Please note that the RIDEM bacteria standards are provided here for informational purposes only and are not intended to indicate official state compliance with primary contact or shellfishing standards.

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

​	​Fecal Coli​fo​rm	Enterococci
Primary Con​​​t​a​c​t1​​​​​	Geom​e​tric ​m​e​a​n​ ≤50 MPN/1​​00​ mL <10% ​o​f​​ samples >400 MPN/100 ​mL	Geom​etric mean ≤35 colo​nies/100 mL​ All sa​mples ≤104 colonies/100 ​​mL2
Shellfishing	Geometric 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.​​​​​​​​​​
​