EPA Issues Summer Season Reminder About Woonasquatucket River "Do's and Don'ts"
BOSTON (June 2, 2026) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to remind the public that contamination in and along the Woonasquatucket River may pose a health risk to visitors and residents of North Providence and Johnston Rhode Island.
While EPA has made progress in cleaning up dioxin contaminated areas in the Centredale Manor Restoration Project Superfund Site, parents, teachers, and camp counselors should remain vigilant to ensure that children are protected from dioxin and other contaminants remaining in the water, sediment, and soil.
Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemical compounds that act as persistent environmental pollutants. Dioxins can cause a number of health effects such as cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune system, and hormone interference.
Walking, running, or bike riding along the river, and paddling a canoe or kayak on the river, are ways to safely enjoy the river. However, people should wash thoroughly after any contact with the river water, sediment, or soil.
Please remember the following Do's & Don'ts for the Woonasquatucket River:
- Don't eat fish, turtles, eels, other wildlife or plants from the Woonasquatucket River;
- Don't wade in the shallow water or swim in the river;
- Don't dig into the riverbanks; and
- Do obey the warning signs posted along the river.
Learn more about the Woonasquatucket River and Centredale Manor cleanup.