Science & Testing

Salt Ponds Coalition conducts on-going water quality testing in all of the southern Rhode Island salt ponds and has developed a well established bacteria record dating back to the mid-eighties. SPC was involved in nutrient testing in Green Hill pond in the early nineties, but that testing ceased when state funding ran out several years ago. Because nutrient levels in the ponds are rising, and can lead to oxygen depletion and fish kills, SPC has resumed nutrient testing in four of the ponds. We are raising funds to maintain this testing program and expand it to the remaining ponds.

Nutrient contamination comes from many sources including individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS), lawn fertilizer, defecation from wild animals and birds, runoff from farms, and pet waste. In the aquatic environment, elevated nutrient levels can cause algae blooms which end up depleting levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. In sever cases this can result in fish kills.

Bacteria levels are of prime importance to human recreation and shell fishing. SPC tests for fecal coloform (FC) which is an important marker for pathogens that can contaminate shellfish and even make water contact dangerous.

SPC collects water samples throughout the testing season and partners with URI to perform testing. marine experts on the SPC staff analyze the data and develop professional, scientific opinions.