Scientists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s New England Regional Laboratory sampled three reservoirs in Rhode Island last week, starting last Wednesday, as part of a multi-year joint study being undertaken by the EPA and the New England states to assess the current water quality and ecological condition of lakes and ponds throughout the region.
Scientists collected data on water and sediment chemistry, physical habitat characteristics, as well as biological aspects such as chlorophyll, zooplankton and aquatic plants.
The teams sampled Bowdish Reservoir in West Glocester, the Smith and Sayles Reservoir in Glocester and the Slack Reservoir in Johnston.
The EPA is also stepping up its efforts to test the water quality along New England’s beaches, and it recently awarded more than $890,000 in grants – including $212,640 to Rhode Island public health officials – to improve and expand existing water quality monitoring and public notification programs at Ocean State beaches.
In addition, the EPA is sponsoring research to improve water quality tests that can be used at fresh- and salt-water beaches and provide results in as few as two hours – current tests take up to 24 to 48 hours to accurately determine levels of bacteria and other pathogens in swimming and other recreational waters. •
- Industries
- Capital Goods
- Economy
- Economic Activity
- Government
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Natural Resources
- Technology
