Fixed-Site Network

​Phillipsdale Landing

Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was fair this week. Weather conditions were dry, with only 0.79 inches recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow continued an overall decreasing trend through the week. Surface salinity averaged 10.6 ppt and ranged from 2.6 ppt to 22.3 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 20.3 ppt and ranged from 4.9 ppt to 27.3 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 27.0°C at the surface and ranging 23.5°C – 30.6°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 24.5°C and ranged 21.3°C – 29.0°C. 

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing dropped below the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) throughout the week. Surface DO average 9.1 mg/L and ranged from 0.7 mg/L to 17.3 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 2.6 mg/L and ranged from 0.6 mg/L to 9.7 mg/L. The longest period of hypoxic conditions (22 hours) occurred from mid-day on July 18th to the morning of July 19th. During this period, bottom DO averaged around 1.54 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings decreased from last week, averaging 50.9 µg/L at the surface and 28.1 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 329.3 µg/L on the morning of July 17th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. 

Bullock Reach

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of July 16th. Overall, water quality was good to fair at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 23.3 ppt, 26.1 ppt, and 29.5 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 20.0 – 26.4 ppt, mid salinity ranged 23.4 – 29.3 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 27.87 – 30.7 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 26.6°C and ranged from 24.3°C to 28.9°C. Mid temperatures averaged 25.2°C and ranged from 21.4°C to 27.8°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 21.0°C and ranged from 19.1°C to 22.7°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) throughout the week at the surface. Middle and Bottom DO dropped below the hypoxia threshold frequently throughout the week. Surface DO averaged 7.2 mg/L and ranged 4.4 – 9.3 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 4.8 mg/L and ranged 1.6 – 7.8 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 2.2 mg/L and ranged 1.3 – 3.6 mg/L.  The longest period of hypoxic conditions (2 days and 7 hours) occurred at the bottom depth between the night of July 16th and the morning of July 19th.  During this period, bottom DO averaged around 1.85 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the week. Readings averaged 11.2 µg/L at the surface, 13.4 µg/L at mid-depth, and 4.1 µg/L at the bottom. The maximum surface chlorophyll was 28.5 µg/L on the morning of July 15th. 

​Phillipsdale Landing

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of July 9th. Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was good this week. Weather conditions were dry, with only 0.48 inches on July 13th, recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow declined this week, dropping below the 19-year daily median mid-week.  Surface salinity averaged 9.0 ppt and ranged from 2.6 ppt to 18.0 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 17.7 ppt and ranged from 5.1 ppt to 25.1 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 26.8°C at the surface and ranging 24.8°C – 30.6°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 24.8°C and ranged 22.0°C – 28.7°C. 

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at the surface throughout the week, while DO at the bottom waters remained below the hypoxic threshold for most of the week. Surface DO average 10.1 mg/L and ranged from 4.5 mg/L to 19.1 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 4.1 mg/L and ranged from 0.8 mg/L to 13.3 mg/L. The longest period of hypoxic conditions (10 hours, 45 minutes) occurred at the bottom depth from the morning to afternoon of July 14th. During this period, bottom DO averaged around 1.68 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings rose from last week, averaging 85.8 µg/L at the surface and 46.4 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 261.8 µg/L on the morning of July 9th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. 

Bullock Reach

Overall, water quality was good at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 23.4 ppt, 25.9 ppt, and 28.8 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 19.9 – 26.2 ppt, mid salinity ranged 23.2 -28.2 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 26.3 – 30.4 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 25.7°C and ranged from 23.6°C to 27.9°C. Mid temperatures averaged 24.7°C and ranged from 20.9°C to 26.2°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 21.6°C and ranged from 19.3°C to 25.3°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at the surface and middle depths throughout the week. Bottom DO dropped below the threshold, with the longest hypoxic period (11 hours and 15 minutes) occurring between the night of July 13th and the morning of July 14th. 

During this period, the bottom DO averaged around 2.52 mg/L. Surface DO averaged 7.3 mg/L and ranged 4.5 – 12.0 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 5.9 mg/L and ranged 3.2 – 8.2 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 3.7 mg/L and ranged 2.1 – 6.5 mg/L.  Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the week. Readings averaged 18.4 µg/L at the surface, 15.0 µg/L at mid-depth, and 4.1 µg/L at the bottom.  The maximum surface chlorophyll was 52.8 µg/L on the afternoon of July 8th.  

Phillipsdale Landing

Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was good this week. Weather conditions included sporadic rain events, with 0.83 inches of precipitation recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow fluctuate through the week in response to sporadic rain events. salinity averaged 13.9 ppt and ranged from 2.9 ppt to 22.8 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 21.1 ppt and ranged from 7.2 ppt to 28.2 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 25.6°C at the surface and ranging 23.3°C – 28.5°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 22.3°C and ranged 19.7°C – 24.5°C.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at the surface throughout the week. DO sporadically dropped below the threshold in the bottom waters. Surface DO average 8.7 mg/L and ranged from 3.4 mg/L to 18.4 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 5.2 mg/L and ranged from 2.8 mg/L to 11.1 mg/L. The longest period of hypoxic conditions (1 hour) occurred in the afternoon of July 2nd. During this period, bottom DO averaged around 2.84 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings rose from last week, averaging 63.5 µg/L at the surface and 33.4 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 125.4 µg/L on the night of July 4th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. 

Bullock Reach

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of July 2nd. Overall, water quality was good at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 24.5 ppt, 26.7 ppt, and 28.8 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 20.8 – 26.6 ppt, mid salinity ranged 22.8 – 30.3 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 26.9 – 30.5 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 22.9°C and ranged from 21.2°C to 25.3°C. Mid temperatures averaged 22.0°C and ranged from 18.7°C to 23.8°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 20.0°C and ranged from 17.8°C to 23.0°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at all depths throughout the week.  Surface DO averaged 7.5 mg/L and ranged 4.8 – 12.5 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 6.3 mg/L and ranged 4.1 – 8.4 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 4.7 mg/L and ranged 3.3 – 6.9 mg/L.  Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the week. Readings averaged 16.3 µg/L at the surface, 13.0 µg/L at mid-depth, and 4.9 µg/L at the bottom.  The maximum surface chlorophyll was 48.3 µg/L on the afternoon of July 2nd. 

​Phillipsdale Landing

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of June 25th. Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was fair this week. Weather conditions included sporadic rain events, with 2.17 inches of precipitation recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow fluctuate through the week in response to rain, while still remaining above the 19-year daily median. Surface salinity averaged 9.1 ppt and ranged from 2.6 ppt to 20.3 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 18.6 ppt and ranged from 5.4 ppt to 28.1 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 25.1°C at the surface and ranging 22.0°C – 27.8°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 22.1°C and ranged 19.6°C – 24.7°C.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at the surface throughout the week. DO sporadically dropped below the threshold in the bottom waters. Surface DO average 7.44 mg/L and ranged from 3.99 mg/L to 11.35 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 4.5 mg/L and ranged from 2.2 mg/L to 10.3 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings dropped slightly from last week, averaging 28.64 µg/L at the surface and 19.9 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 81.2 µg/L on the morning of June 30th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. 

Bullock Reach

Overall, water quality was good at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 24.7 ppt, 28.2 ppt, and 27.3 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 20.9 – 27.2 ppt, mid salinity ranged 25.1 – 29.8 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 23.1 – 30.3 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 22.5°C and ranged from 21.1°C to 25.1°C. Mid temperatures averaged 19.8°C and ranged from 17.8°C to 22.2°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 21.5°C and ranged from 18.5°C to 23.3°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at all depths throughout the week.  Surface DO averaged 7.5 mg/L and ranged 5.3 – 10.9 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 4.8 mg/L and ranged 3.1 – 6.8 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 6.2 mg/L and ranged 4.3– 8.8 mg/L.  Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the month. Readings averaged 17.1 µg/L at the surface, 8.2 µg/L at mid-depth, and 18.3 µg/L at the bottom. The maximum surface chlorophyll was 51.1 µg/L on the afternoon of June 28th.

​Phillipsdale Landing

Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was fair this week. Weather conditions included sporadic rain events, with 2.22 inches of precipitation recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow fluctuate through the week in response to rain, while still remaining above the 19-year daily median. Surface salinity averaged 9.4 ppt and ranged from 2.5 ppt to 19.8 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 18.9 ppt and ranged from 5.9 ppt to 26.0 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 23.9°C at the surface and ranging 20.6°C – 28.3°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 21.4°C and ranged 18.3°C – 25.5°C.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing has remained high at the surface, with only a few dropped readings below the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) throughout the week. Surface DO was lower than the previous week, averaging 8.3 mg/L and ranging 2.65 mg/L to 14.1 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations dropped below the hypoxia level (i.e., DO <2.9 mg/L) briefly this week, averaging 4.2 mg/L and ranged from 2.0 mg/L to 10.0 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings have risen from last week, averaging 35.54 µg/L at the surface and 27.7 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 98.2 µg/L on the night of June 21st. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. 

Bullock Reach

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of June 18th. Overall, water quality was good at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 23.9 ppt, 28.0 ppt, and 24.0 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 19.3 – 27.0 ppt, mid salinity ranged 25.1 – 30.0 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 0.0 – 29.9 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 23.3°C and ranged from 19.8°C to 26.1°C. Mid temperatures averaged 18.8°C and ranged from 16.4°C to 21.9°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 21.5°C and ranged from 15.7°C to 25.0°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at all depths throughout the week.  Surface DO averaged 8.1 mg/L and ranged 5.7 – 11.6 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 5.0 mg/L and ranged 3.4 – 9.0 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 6.6 mg/L and ranged 2.9– 9.4 mg/L.  Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the month. Readings averaged 15.8 µg/L at the surface, 8.4 µg/L at mid-depth, and 11.2 µg/L at the bottom.  The maximum surface chlorophyll was 47.9 µg/L on the morning of June 23rd. 

​Phillipsdale Landing

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of June 11th. Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was good this week. Weather conditions were dry, with only 0.06 inches on June 14th, recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow declined this week, dropping below the 19-year daily median mid-week. Surface salinity averaged 8.5 ppt and ranged from 3.2 ppt to 18.6 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 20.3 ppt and ranged from 5.3 ppt to 26.7 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 21.8°C at the surface and ranging 19.1°C – 24.5°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 19.0°C and ranged 16.2°C – 23.6°C.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) throughout the week. Surface DO average 10.7 mg/L and ranged from 5.36 mg/L to 20.3 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 6.1 mg/L and ranged from 3.8 mg/L to 13.7 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings have risen from last week, averaging 26.64 µg/L at the surface and 19.6 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 132.6 µg/L on the morning of June 16th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. 

Bullock Reach

Overall, water quality was good at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 23.5 ppt, 26.3 ppt, and 28.5 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 19.8 – 25.4 ppt, mid salinity ranged 22.2 – 28.5 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 18.0 – 30.2 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 20.4°C and ranged from 18.3°C to 22.5°C. Mid temperatures averaged 19.2°C and ranged from 16.5°C to 21.8°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 16.5°C and ranged from 14.8°C to 20.3°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at all depths throughout the week.  Surface DO averaged 9.2 mg/L and ranged 5.1 – 13.8 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 7.1 mg/L and ranged 4.9 – 8.9 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 5.1 mg/L and ranged 3.6 – 6.6 mg/L.  Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the month. Readings averaged 10.4 µg/L at the surface, 8.5 µg/L at mid-depth, and 3.3 µg/L at the bottom. The maximum surface chlorophyll was 41.5 µg/L on the morning of June 11th. 

​Phillipsdale Landing

Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was good this week. Weather conditions included sporadic rain events, with 1.19 inches of precipitation recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow declined this week, remaining above the 19-year daily median for the week. Surface salinity averaged 9.9 ppt and ranged from 3.6 ppt to 17.5 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 18.6 ppt and ranged from 8.9 ppt to 26.0 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 21.6°C at the surface and ranging 19.6°C – 24.0°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 18.9°C and ranged 15.9°C – 21.8°C.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) throughout the week. Surface DO average 7.8 mg/L and ranged from 5.4 mg/L to 12.1 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 5.9 mg/L and ranged from 4.3 mg/L to 10.3 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings have risen from last week, averaging 14.82 µg/L at the surface and 12.1 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 52.1 µg/L on the night of June 8th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. 

Bullock Reach

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of June 4th. Overall, water quality was good at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 21.7 ppt, 22.5 ppt, and 27.9 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 17.8 – 24.8 ppt, mid salinity ranged 0.0 – 28.5 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 0.0 – 30.3 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 20.4°C and ranged from 18.8°C to 22.9°C. Mid temperatures averaged 18.9°C and ranged from 16.1°C to 21.9°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 15.8°C and ranged from 14.1°C to 26.0°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at all depths throughout the week.  Surface DO averaged 10.5 mg/L and ranged 7.4 – 16.0 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 8.1 mg/L and ranged 5.6 – 12.0 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 5.9 mg/L and ranged 4.9 – 9.4 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the month. Readings averaged 22.3 µg/L at the surface, 9.7 µg/L at mid-depth, and 4.1 µg/L at the bottom.  The maximum surface chlorophyll was 55.3 µg/L on the afternoon of June 3rd.  

Please note that data gaps occurred in the bottom dataset on June 3rd, 4th and 5th is due to equipment failure.

​Phillipsdale Landing

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of May 31st. Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was good this week. Weather conditions included sporadic rain events, with 0.84 inches of precipitation recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow fluctuate through the week in response to rain, while still remaining above the 19-year daily median. Surface salinity averaged 4.0 ppt and ranged from 1.0 ppt to 10.9 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 14.0 ppt and ranged from 1.4 ppt to 27.9 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 21.0°C at the surface and ranging 17.7°C – 24.0°C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 18.1°C and ranged 13.9°C – 23.2°C.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) throughout the week. Surface DO average 7.6 mg/L and ranged from 6.2 mg/L to 8.5 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 5.9 mg/L and ranged from 4.2 mg/L to 8.1 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings remained comparable from last week, averaging 2.4 µg/L at the surface and 2.7 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 6.4 µg/L on the afternoon of May 29th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. Also, please note that an isolated portion of suspect chlorophyll data from May 27th and an isolated portion of suspect depth from May 31st were excluded from the summary.

Bullock Reach

Overall, water quality was good at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 19.3 ppt, 25.9 ppt, and 29.5 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 14.9 – 23.9 ppt, mid salinity ranged 19.6 – 29.6 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 26.9 – 30.5 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 19.1°C and ranged from 16.5°C to 21.7°C. Mid temperatures averaged 16.9°C and ranged from 14.3°C to 19.1°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 14.1°C and ranged from 13.0°C to 20.0°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at all depths throughout the week.  Surface DO averaged 8.4 mg/L and ranged 5.5 – 11.8 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 7.4 mg/L and ranged 5.8 – 12.0 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 6.1 mg/L and ranged 5.0– 9.2 mg/L.  Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the month. Readings averaged 19.1 µg/L at the surface, 6.0 µg/L at mid-depth, and 3.5 µg/L at the bottom.  The maximum surface chlorophyll was 77.6 µg/L on the morning of May 31st. 

Please note that data gaps occurred in the surface, middle and bottom on May 29th, 30th and 31st and is due to equipment failure.

​Phillipsdale Landing

Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was good this week. Weather conditions were dry except for one May 23rd rain event with 1.17 inches of rain recorded at T.F. Green. The Blackstone River flow declined this week, remaining above the 19-year daily median for the week. Surface salinity averaged 4.0 ppt and ranged from 1.0 ppt to 10.9 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 14.0 ppt and ranged from 1.4 ppt to 27.9 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 21.0 °C at the surface and ranging 17.7°C – 24.0 °C. At the bottom, temperatures averaged 18.1°C and ranged from 13.9°C – 23.2°C.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) throughout the week. Surface DO average 7.6 mg/L and ranged from 6.2 mg/L to 8.5 mg/L. Bottom DO concentrations averaged 5.9 mg/L and ranged from 4.2 mg/L to 8.1 mg/L. Chlorophyll readings remained comparable from last week, averaging 2.4 µg/L at the surface and 2.7 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum chlorophyll at the surface reached 6.4 µg/L on the afternoon of May 29th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. Also, please note that isolated portions of suspect chlorophyll data from May 27th and May 31st were excluded from the summary.

Bullock Reach

The Bullock Reach buoy was deployed May 22nd for the 2024 season. Overall, water quality was good at Bullock Reach this week. Salinity averaged 19.4 ppt, 25.6 ppt, and 29.0 ppt at the surface, middle, and bottom sondes, respectively. Surface salinity ranged 11.7 – 25.4 ppt, mid salinity ranged 21.0 – 28.6 ppt, and bottom salinity ranged 27.4 – 30.0 ppt. Surface temperature averaged 18.2°C and ranged from 16.0°C to 20.0°C. Mid temperatures averaged 16.2°C and ranged from 14.0°C to 18.5°C. Bottom temperatures averaged 13.4°C and ranged from 12.0°C to 15.1°C.

DO at Bullock Reach remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) at all depths throughout the week.  Surface DO averaged 9.3 mg/L and ranged 7.5 – 11.3 mg/L. In the mid waters, DO averaged 8.3 mg/L and ranged 6.8 – 10.0 mg/L. At the bottom, DO averaged 6.9 mg/L and ranged 5.7– 8.4 mg/L.  Chlorophyll readings ranged from low to elevated, with evidence of moderate phytoplankton blooms occurring throughout the month. Readings averaged 18.0 µg/L at the surface, 7.6 µg/L at mid-depth, and 8.4 µg/L at the bottom.  The maximum surface chlorophyll was 50.9 µg/L on the afternoon of May 23rd. 

Please note that data gaps occurred in the surface, middle and bottom on May 29th and 30th and is potentially due to equipment failure.

​Phillipsdale Landing

Sondes were swapped this week on the morning of May 14th. Overall, water quality at Phillipsdale Landing was good this week. Weather conditions were wet this week, with a total of 3.18 inches recorded at T.F. Green, and the majority of rainfall occurring on May 15th. The Blackstone River flow increased during the 16th and 17th and remained above the 19-year daily median for the week.  Salinity at the surface averaged 3.1 ppt and ranged from 0.7 ppt to 6.7 ppt. At the bottom, salinity averaged 12.0 ppt and ranged from 1.7 ppt to 29.0 ppt. Temperatures continued to increase this week, averaging 16.9°C at the surface and 14.9 °C at the bottom. Surface temperatures ranged from 15.3°C to 19.2°C, while bottom temperatures ranged from 11.4°C to 18.1°C.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) at Phillipsdale Landing remained above the hypoxia threshold (i.e., DO >2.9 mg/L) throughout the week. Surface DO remained similar to the previous week, averaging 8.9 mg/L and ranging 7.8-10.0 mg/L. Bottom water DO concentration averaged 7.6 mg/L and ranged from 5.5 mg/L to 9.6 mg/L. Chlorophyll concentrations remained low, averaging 2.2 µg/L at the surface and 2.7 µg/L at the bottom. Maximum surface chlorophyll readings reached 5.0 µg/L, recorded in the morning of May 15th. Please note that tidal fluctuations and Blackstone River flows greatly influence water column salinity, temperature, and DO at this location. 

Bullock Reach 

The Bullock Reach Buoy remains out of the water for the winter.  EM will coordinate with RIDEM to redeploy the buoy in late spring.