Historical News
Bacteria Sampling
Nineteen stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on November 1, 2017. Four of these stations were additionally sampled for Enterococci bacteria. A total of 2.34 inches of rain fell during the 5 days prior to sampling.
The fecal coliform geometric mean was 1,061 MPN/100mL, a large increase from the previous sampling date. The geomean was similar in both rivers with a value of 1,086 MPN/100 mL in the Seekonk and a value of 1,048 MPN/100 mL in the Providence River. The maximum fecal coliform geomean of 4,300 MPN/100 mL was observed at Collier Point Park in the Providence River. Fecal coliform concentrations for the Providence River were not within state criteria for primary contact or shellfishing.
The overall Enterococci geometric mean for the Seekonk and Providence Rivers was 851 MPN/100mL, similarly an increase from the previous week. The maximum value of 1470 MPN/100 mL was observed at the South Field’s Point East station. These results do not fall within state criteria for primary contact and shellfishing.
Please note: the results of NBC's fecal coliform and Enterococci monitoring are for informational/research purposes only and are not intended to suggest official state compliance with bathing or shellfishing standards.
Water Column Clarity
Water clarity was measured at five locations in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on December 6, 2017. A total of 0.79 inches of rain fell on December 5th and the early morning of December 6th, which may have contributed to decreased water clarity. Average water clarity decreased by 1.1 m from the previous sampling to 1.6 m. Secchi depth ranged from 1.2 m at Edgewood Yacht Club to 2.2 m at Pomham Rocks, showing no evidence of a north to south gradient. The largest decrease of 2.2 m was observed at Bullock Reach.
Water Column Clarity
Water clarity was measured at four locations in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on November 29, 2017. The five days prior to sampling were dry with no precipitation. Average water clarity conditions remained similar to conditions observed on the previous sampling date, decreasing by 0.1 meters on average. Secchi depth ranged from 2.0 m at Pomham Rocks to 3.8 m at Bullock Reach and averaged 2.7 m. A north to south water clarity gradient was not apparent.
Water Column Clarity
Water clarity was measured at six locations in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on November 15, 2017. Moderate rain (0.28 inches) fell during the 5 days prior to sampling. Water clarity increased this week compared to the previous sampling, with an average Secchi depth of 2.8 m, a 1.2 m increase. Secchi depth ranged from 1.8 m at India Point Park to 3.0 m at Point Street Bridge, showing no evidence of a north to south gradient. The largest increase of 1.8 m was observed at Conimicut Point.
Water Column Clarity
Water clarity was measured at six locations in the Providence River on November 8, 2017. Moderate rain (0.24 inches) fell during the 5 days prior to sampling. Secchi depth ranged from 1.3 meters at Pawtuxet Cove to 1.8 meters at Edgewood Yacht Club. Overall, the average Secchi depth was 1.6 meters, a 0.6 meter increase from the previous week, which was very rainy. The largest increase (0.8 m) was observed at Edgewood Yacht Club. Overall, there was no evidence of a north to south gradient in water clarity.
