Tracking the Health of Narragansett Bay and Beyond
Watershed Counts operates as a shared program to measure and share information regarding the environmental condition of Narragansett Bay and its watershed. A collective of scientists with community leaders and environmental groups together with government agencies unites under our shared mission to protect essential natural resources for human and ecological and economic sustainability.
What We Do
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Track Environmental Indicators
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Foster Collaboration
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Communicate Findings
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Promote Action
What We Track
Climate Change
The Narragansett Bay watershed currently experiences climate change effects which include increasing ocean levels together with intensified storms. The staff at Watershed Counts tracks environmental changes while evaluating their impact on ecosystems and communities together with the economy. Our knowledge about risks enables the development of resilience measures that defend the watershed against future damage.
Freshwater and Marine Water Quality
Thrive of a watershed depends on the existence of healthy water systems. Our organization checks freshwater river and lake and marine environment quality to guarantee these spaces stay secure for drinking and recreational purposes as well as sustaining aquatic life populations. Monitoring pollutants alongside ecosystem health and nutrient concentrations enables us to defend essential resources while lobbying for enhanced conservation efforts.
Watershed Lands and Open Space
Saltwater Resources
Natural Resource Economics
A sustainable watershed functions as an economic growth center beyond its environmental value. Tourism together with recreation and sustainable industries directly benefit from clean water sources along with productive fisheries and healthy natural areas. According to Watershed Counts there exists a clear link between preserving environmental health and economic development since business and community prosperity depends on nature’s health.
Invasive Species
Invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to the balance of our native ecosystems. Foreign plant and animal species compete against native species while they modify natural areas while damaging fishery activities along with agricultural operations. The organization tracks invasive species distribution through Watershed Counts while it collaborates with alliances to increase public awareness and stands behind control measures while fostering natural habitat stability.
Our Partners
- Environmental nonprofits
- Local businesses
- Community organizations
- Research institutions
- Government agencies
- Concerned citizens
Our Highlights
How Climate Change is Reshaping the Narragansett Bay Watershed
Rising Temperatures and Sea Levels
The Narragansett Bay watershed experiences dramatic physical and ecological and economic changes due to climate change. The water temperatures in Narragansett Bay have risen three degrees Fahrenheit during the last century and sea levels increased by seven inches. The warming pattern increases sea level rise speed which poses risks to coastal ecosystems together with public infrastructure and residential areas. Salt marshes face a high risk of drowning before they can adapt since rising sea levels threaten their existence which results in habitat destruction and biodiversity reduction. The advancing ocean water damages public access points and consumes beaches which negatively impacts local tourism and recreational activities and local economic activities.
Shifting Weather Patterns and Increased Flooding
The watershed faces more powerful storms that occur more often while receiving heavier winter and spring rainfall and enduring longer late-summer to fall dry periods. Future studies predict a 55% rise in precipitation alongside coastal runoff that will create new problems for water quality management and infrastructure needs. Waterways across inland areas are causing neighborhood flooding while they carry pollutants through their rivers to overwhelm wastewater management facilities. The occurrence of intense weather conditions creates significant risks for homes and businesses and poses a threat to toxic substances and untreated sewage entering the Bay which would undo the water quality improvements made during past decades.
Water Quality and Ecosystem Stress
The reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution through wastewater investments and regulations has been significant but climate change poses a threat to erase these achievements. The combination of rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threatens wastewater facilities located in low areas by causing facility damage and thus resulting in pathogen and pollutant releases. The ongoing fluid movement of the Bay served as an organic filtration system until the massive amounts of runoff and pollutants started overwhelming its natural capabilities. The deteriorating health state of fish habitats and shellfish beds and recreational waters threatens both commercial fisheries and public health.
Changing Species and Habitats
The Bay experiences species diversity changes as the waters heat up and salinity patterns alter. The population of native species declines while heat-resistant species expand their range into the area. Resource management and conservation face new challenges because these changes break down established food webs and fisheries operations. The loss of salt marshes and other habitats along with native wildlife stress creates reduced storm surge and flooding resistance in the Bay.
Community and Infrastructure Adaptation
People who live in areas surrounding Narragansett Bay must change their ways of life due to these new environmental conditions. The infrastructure developed under previous climate conditions such as roads, bridges, wastewater treatment facilities and recreational structures now faces rising risks of destruction from flooding. Several initiatives are currently moving forward to shift essential infrastructure and rebuild floodplains while upgrading stormwater systems but this work needs continuous financial backing. Moving homes and businesses inland has become a necessary action to protect safety and resilience.
The Path Forward
The Narragansett Bay watershed will thrive through both adaptation strategies and mitigation efforts. The future of climate change mitigation requires three essential actions: cutting our fossil fuel consumption and developing renewable sources of energy and strengthening building energy efficiency standards. The watershed’s vitality and resilience will increase through habitat restoration alongside expanded green infrastructure together with community adaptation support. Rhode Island together with its neighboring communities should protect this essential resource by viewing the Bay as a vital ecosystem while taking proactive measures.