URI Watershed Watch uses the USEPA approved membrane filtration method with mTEC media for analyzing fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria rather than the Rhode Island Department of Health approved MPN (Most Probable Number) procedure. Watershed Watch data is intended for screening purposes only, but is very valuable for targeting areas of concerns and for tracking potential sources of bacterial contamination.

Samples may have been collected over a period of days for each collection period, and may reflect dry weather versus wet weather or rain event values. Please contact Watershed Watch for specific sample dates.

Rhode Island fresh water standards for recreational contact:
Fecal coliform not to exceed 200 fecal coliform / 100 mL.

USEPA fresh water standards for recreational contact:
Recommends the use of E. coli, not to exceed 126 E. coli / 100 mL.

2004

TRIBUTARY BACTERIA DATA

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Updated 10/20/04