Heat, Animal Feces Negatively Affect West/Rhode Rivers

The following post was submitted by West/Rhode Riverkeeper and County Councilman Chris Trumbauer (D-6th District). 

Hi everybody,

Our  were out again yesterday. (Luckily they got out early and beat the heat...)

This week, we once again had a couple sites, which registered high bacteria levels. Samples from Holly Hills and River Club, both on Bearneck Creek on the Rhode River were above the EPA single test limit for safe swimming. There was no rain preceding the sampling.

Resident goose populations have been noted in the vicinity, and may be the culprit. (Any warm-blooded animal pooping in or near the water can cause high bacteria levels...) To see the full results of our sampling, click here.

For general information about the risks of swimming and other human health issues, see our one-page sheet on the subject by clicking here.

You can also see our water-quality maps generated from our weekly sampling on our website. Click here to check them out!

Thanks for staying informed about water quality on our rivers.