Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: June 22, 1998
CONTACT: Ernest Julian, Ph.D. (401) 222-2749 x 2429

Health Department Opens Two Public Beaches in Newport Harbor
Water Quality in Narragansett Bay Improving

Providence - The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends re-opening beaches in Newport Harbor based on the results of recent tests for water contamination. The two beaches affected are King Park (Newport) and Fort Adams (state beach).

"Overall, it looks like the water quality in Narragansett Bay is improving," said Dr. Patricia Nolan, Director of Health in Rhode Island. "Given the most recent test results, we feel it is safe to recommend re-opening the two beaches in Newport Harbor. If the weather continues to cooperate, it could mean good news for some of the remaining beaches before the end of the week."

Testing continues in Greenwich Bay where the level of contaminated water has dropped substantially over the last few days. The Department expects to update its advisory on this area for Wednesday, June 24, 1998.

Narragansett Bay Sampling Map June 17 (118K JPEG image)
Narragansett Bay Sampling Map June 19 (117K JPEG image)

Several public beaches were closed last week due to heavy rains which caused over 175 million gallons of sewage contaminated water to be discharged into the bay. Those which remain closed include Barrington, Warren and Bristol town beaches and Conimicut Point, Oakland and City Park (Buttonwoods) beaches in Warwick . Goddard Park (Warwick) is the only State beach still closed due to potential contamination.

The ocean beaches along the coastline in South County, Newport and Little Compton are open and safe for swimming. These include: Scarborough, Narragansett, Matunuck, Charlestown, Sand Hill Cove, Misquamicut, Bonnet Shores, Easton’s, Second and Third Beach (Newport), as well as other popular ocean beaches.

According to the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the existing shellfishing closure remains in effect for all waters north of a line from Long Tree Point in North Kingstown, across Narragansett Bay past the southern tip of South Prudence Island to Carr Point in Portsmouth. DEM is continuing to test the water and remains in contact with representatives of the shellfishing industry to ensure that they are informed about the status of closed area.

The Department of Health also recommends that the boaters using the water in the upper bay wash their hands after contact with water in these areas—particularly before eating.

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Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us