Wood River (Pawcatuck River tributary) facts for kids

The Wood River is a river in the U.S. states of Connecticut and Rhode Island. It flows for about 25 miles (40 km) and is a very important branch of the Pawcatuck River. There are 8 dams along the river's path.

Why the Wood River is Special

The Wood River, found in southwestern Rhode Island, is a super important source of clean water for many people. It's one of the last truly clean rivers in the northeastern U.S., between big cities like New York and Boston.

This river helps provide drinking water to over 100,000 people! Because it's so important, there are special rules and groups that work hard to keep it clean and healthy.

Keeping the River Clean and Fun

The Wood River is known for its pure water, which makes it a great place for many fun activities. Families can enjoy boating, fishing, and even hiking along its banks all year long. Many visitors come to Rhode Island and Connecticut just to canoe, kayak, or fish in its clear waters.

It's super important to keep the river clean, especially since so many people use it. Cleanliness and fun go hand in hand here!

The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA)

The main reason the Wood River has stayed so clean over the years is thanks to a group called the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, or WPWA for short.

The WPWA works hard to protect the river from pollution. For example, they keep an eye on boats that use gasoline engines, because these can cause pollution. They want to make sure the water stays safe because many people fish in the river and eat the fish they catch. The river's water is also used by both local residents and visitors.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that the underground water system connected to the Pawcatuck River is the only source of drinking water for people in that area. This means if the water got polluted, it would be a big problem for everyone's health and cost a lot of money to fix. That's why the WPWA's work is so vital!

Where You Can Cross the Wood River

Here's a list of places where roads cross over the Wood River, starting from where the river begins and moving downstream:

Crossings in Sterling, Connecticut

• Porter Pond Road

Crossings in West Greenwich, Rhode Island

• Hazard Road
• Falls River Road

Crossings in Exeter, Rhode Island

• Ten Rod Road (RI 165)
• Arcadia Road

Crossings in Richmond, Rhode Island

• Skunk Hill Road
• Bridge Street

Crossings in Hopkinton, Rhode Island

• Main Street (RI 3)
• Switch Road
• Interstate 95
• Hope Valley Road
• Woodville Road
• Church Street

Rivers and Brooks that Feed the Wood River

Many smaller streams and rivers flow into the Wood River, helping to keep it full of water. Besides many unnamed ones, here are some of the main ones:

• Carson Brook
• Kelley Brook
• Flat River
• Parris Brook
• Roaring Brook
• Baker Brook
• Brushy Brook
• Diamond Brook
• Canonchet Brook