Barden Reservoir - Ponaganset River Watershed - Rhode Island
NRCS and the Northern Rhode Island Conservation District identified the Barden Reservoir-Ponaganset River watershed as lacking a watershed assessment in place to address agriculture. This watershed plan assesses agriculture-related water quality conditions to determine voluntary conservation efforts
Rhode Island NRCS funded an NWQI watershed assessment for the 33 square mile Barden Reservoir -Ponaganset River watershed (HUC-12: 010900040605) in Providence County, northwestern Rhode Island. This watershed assessment aims to fulfill requirements needed to enter the implementation phase of the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI).
Background
The Barden Reservoir-Ponaganset River watershed lies within the broader Narraganset Bay Basin. The Ponaganset River flows southeasterly from the Ponaganset Reservoir (located northwest of the Town of Foster) for approximately 5 miles to the Barden Reservoir (located at the outlet of the watershed)—the Barden Reservoir subsequently discharges to the Scituate Reservoir.
The Scituate Reservoir is the largest freshwater body in Rhode Island and is the public drinking water source for the Providence metropolitan area. Providence Water works to conserve the entire Scituate Reservoir watershed, including the Barden Reservoir-Ponaganset River HUC-12. The Scituate Reservoir drainage area is located primarily within the rural towns of Scituate, Foster, and Glocester, and also includes parts of western Cranston and Johnston. The total drainage area covers 93 square miles.
The watershed area is approximately 87% forested. Agricultural land makes about 2% of the area and is distributed throughout the watershed. Most agricultural operations are small backyard farms, with agricultural land predominantly dedicated to forage (e.g., other hay/non-alfalfa, pasture). Developed land makes up about 8% of the area.
Water Quality Degradation Resource Concerns and Impairments
Occasional high levels of phosphorus and bacteria are the main water quality concerns for the Barden Reservoir-Ponaganset River watershed. Stream segments in Shippee Brook and Winsor Brook exceed recreational water quality standards for Enterococcus (indicating the potential presence of pathogenic organisms). Only Winsor Brook has an approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Recent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and PWSB water quality monitoring data also indicate high levels of phosphorus occurring episodically at stream sites throughout the watershed.
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Additional Information
National Water Quality Initiative - Rhode Island
As USDA’s premiere water quality initiative, National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) provides a way to accelerate voluntary, on-farm conservation investments and focused water quality monitoring and assessment resources where they can deliver the greatest benefits for clean water.
Learn MoreWatershed Planning in Rhode Island
We all live in a watershed. Watersheds provide a vital resource for all living things to survive and thrive. All watersheds are interconnected, creating a land-water system that conveys water to its final destination such as a river, lake, wetland, or bay.
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