Week of March 31 - April 6, 2019
Bacteria Sampling
Twenty stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on April 4, 2019. Five stations were also sampled for enterococci bacteria. It rained off and on over the four days prior to sampling, with a total of 0.8 inches recorded, but bacteria counts in both rivers were generally low. The fecal coliform geometric mean for all sites was 20 MPN/100 mL. Counts were higher in the Seekonk River than the Providence, where the geometric mean was 61 MPN/100 mL versus 12 MPN/100 mL, respectively. The maximum fecal coliform concentration (230 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Division St. Dock in the Seekonk River and at Point St. Bridge and South FP East in the Providence River. Fecal coliform results in the Providence River met state guidelines for primary contact.
The enterococci geometric mean for all sites was 16 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci concentrations ranged from below detection at three stations to 41 MPN/100 mL at Point St. Bridge. These results met state criteria for primary contact.
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.
Week of March 17 - 23, 2019
Bacteria Sampling
Twenty stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on March 20, 2019. Five stations were also sampled for enterococci bacteria. Sampling was preceded by dry weather, and bacteria counts in both rivers were generally low. The fecal coliform geometric mean for all sites was 18 MPN/100 mL. Counts were slightly higher in the Providence River than the Seekonk, where the geometric mean was 20 MPN/100 mL versus 15 MPN/100 mL, respectively. The maximum fecal coliform concentration (430 MPN/100 mL) was measured at Point St. Bridge in the Providence River. Fecal coliform results in both rivers met state guidelines for primary contact.
The enterococci geometric mean for all sites was 15 MPN/100 mL. Enterococci concentrations ranged from below detection at four stations to 141 MPN/100 mL at Point St. Bridge. These results exceed the state criteria for primary contact.
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.
Week of April 21 - 27, 2019
Water Column Clarity
Water clarity was measured at eight locations in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on April 24, 2019. The month has been rainy, and there was approximately 0.6 inches of rainfall recorded over the three days prior to the survey. Water clarity was decreased at all sites compared to the previous survey date. Average Secchi depth was 1.8 m, compared to 2.5 m on April 10. Water clarity was highest at Conimicut Point, at 2.6 m. The lowest water clarity was measured at Phillipsdale Landing, at 1.1 m. Water clarity exhibited the common north to south gradient, with Secchi depths increasing with distance down the bay.
Week of April 7 - 13, 2019
Water Column Clarity
Water clarity was measured at six locations in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on April 10, 2019. There was just over one inch of rainfall recorded over the three days prior to sampling and water clarity was decreased at all sites surveyed. Average Secchi depth water clarity was 2.5 m, compared to 3.2 m during the last sampling event on March 27. Water clarity was highest at Conimicut Point, at 2.9 m. The lowest water clarity was measured at Edgewood Yacht Club and Pawtuxet Cove, at 2.2 m. Water clarity did not exhibit a north to south gradient this week.
Week of March 24 - 30, 2019
Water Column Clarity
Water clarity was measured at eight locations in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers on March 27, 2019. There was no recorded rainfall over the three days prior to sampling. Average Secchi depth water clarity was 3.2 m, an increase since the last sampling event on March 13 (2.9 m). Water clarity was highest at Pomham Rocks, at 3.6 m. The lowest water clarity was measured at Phillipsdale Landing, at 2.2 m. Water clarity did not exhibit a north to south gradient this week.
