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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: December 1, 2004
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM REPORT ASSESSING WATER QUALITY IN RHODE ISLAND IS AVAILABLE

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has announced that the "State of the State's Waters" report for 2004 is now available. The report, required on a biennial basis by the federal Clean Water Act, contains a significant amount of data and information about the quality of surface and ground waters in Rhode Island and DEM programs that serve to manage and protect them.

The report reflects available water quality data from numerous sources, including state and federal agencies, universities, environmental organizations and citizen volunteers. The data is used in establishing and reviewing the state's water quality standards to measure progress toward achieving state and federal water quality goals, and to supply information for use in development of permit limits for wastewater discharges and water quality restoration plans. A total of 99% of the 156.29 square miles of estuarine waters, 80% of the 20,917 lake acres, and 38% of the 1,498 river miles in the state have been assessed for the report.

The 2004 assessment information reveals that:
  • 66% of river miles, 78% of lake acres and 69% of estuarine waters assessed support all designated uses.


  • Approximately 80% of waters designated for shellfishing are open.


  • Bacterial contamination continues to be among the leading causes of impairments in all waterbody types.


  • Excess nutrients and low dissolved oxygen are among the leading causes of impairments in lakes and estuarine waters.
The report documents the progress made in controlling pollution through a committed investment in various water pollution abatement programs and projects. However, it also shows that the state faces challenges in abating water quality pollution from both point and non-point sources. DEM has identified 137 lakes, river segments and coastal waters that fail to meet water quality standards. These waterbodies will be targeted for restoration activities.

For additional information regarding the content of this report, contact Connie Carey at 222-3961. The report is available on the publications page of the DEM website, www.dem.ri.gov, and will be placed at various libraries around the state. A hard copy is available for review at the Office of Technical and Customer Assistance at DEM Headquarters, 235 Promenade Street in Providence.

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