Beach water quality improving in RI

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPRI) - A new study suggests water quality is improving at Rhode Island beaches, but is still in the middle of the pack when compared to other coastal states.

According to a report released Wednesday by the Natural Resources Defense Council , Rhode Island's beach water quality ranked 16th out of 30 states in 2011.

• Related: Website tracks RI beach conditions
• Related: Beach & Boating Forecast

The study found that seven percent of water samples from Rhode Island beaches exceeded national bacteria standards.  That's down from eight percent in 2010, and from 20 percent in 2009.

The three beaches that showed high bacteria rates most frequently are all in Warwick:

• Conimicut Point Beach (23%)
• Oakland Beach (17%)
• Goddard Memorial State Park Beach (16%)

Rounding out the top five are Easton's Beach in Newport (14%) and Atlantic Beach Club in Middletown (14%).

The report also highlights infrastructure improvements at both Easton's Beach and Bristol Town Beach designed to reduce beach water contamination.

• Click here for Rhode Island Beach Water Quality Report
   
• Click here for NRDC report on National Beach Water Quality