Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Toronto Sewage Bypass Log
Until the City of Toronto begins to alert the public when a sewage bypass occurs, our Swimmable Water Ambassadors will call the Humber Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment plant for this information and share it here.
Toronto Harbour Report: Lake Ontario needs protecting
Official results for the Toronto Harbour Report are in. Watch the video, see the data, and learn how you can help protect the Toronto Harbour.
International Joint Commission invites recreational water users to attend public meetings, speak to health of Great Lakes
During the Great Lake Public Forum, there is a platform to voice your vision for the Great Lakes. Whether you swim, dive, SUP, surf, paddle, sail, fish, or simply read your book on the shores of the many glorious beaches, the ICJ wants to hear from you. So take another step forward as a water leader and participate!
$1.1 billion towards Ontario’s infrastructure and a stronger Swim Drink Fish community
Last week, the Ontario and Canadian governments announced that $1.1 billion will be invested into infrastructure upgrades across the province. Since a lot of Waterkeeper's focus has been on wastewater and water quality, it's no surprise that Mark wanted to share his thoughts on this big announcement.
Accidental Parkland: An ode to Toronto’s hidden beauties
One of the best ways to protect a natural space that you love is to show off its beauty to those around you. Get others to experience it. Share it with your family and your friends – especially those who have never experienced it before. That’s exactly what filmmaker Dan Berman set out to do for Toronto's waters with his new film, Accidental Parkland.
Toronto Island Lake Swim: Perfect time to get your feet wet
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to help protect your watershed is to simply experience it. Jump in the lake and connect with it. It’s no surprise that when we found out about Toronto Island local, Kathleen McDonnell – who swam in the lake every day for a year, all 365 days – we had to get in touch with her.
Madhu Nagaraja: Get to know your community by jumping into your lake
Some of the greatest adventures are experienced when we least expect it. So if you’re looking for some inspiration to get yourself excited for the upcoming Toronto Island Lake Swim, look no further. Madhu Nagaraja swam in his first open-water race in 2003. Since then, Madhu has taken on some of the greatest open water challenges that mother nature has to offer – including swimming across Lake Ontario.
When I see sewage pollution: A plea to all who love the lake
The sight of sewage debris in any waterbody is disturbing. And despite the dry weather, Waterkeeper is still finding sewage debris. So if you're one of the thousands who visit the shoreline, we're hoping you can help be our eyes on the water. Here's why.
Canadians heading into Rio’s polluted waters – what’s all the fuss?
With the Rio Olympics starting tonight, there's been a lot of talk about Rio's polluted waters. We've seen all of the articles – and there are a few. But one of the most perplexing and shocking things we've noticed are the comments from Canadian athletes saying it isn’t as bad as the pollution in Canada’s waters. Is this really as surprising as it sounds? Mark weighed in on this topic and shared his thoughts here.
Marilyn Bell DiLascio reacts to recent discovery of sewage debris in Lake Ontario
Traveling by boat on July 8, 2016, Waterkeeper Mark Mattson arrived in Toronto and spotted a 2km stretch of waste floating in the lake, just off of Ashbridges Bay. When we posted the images and videos online, many people were shocked – one of who was famed open water swimmer, Marilyn Bell. As Lake Ontario’s first “Swim Drink Fish Ambassador,” Marilyn was quick to lend her voice for the lake that has a big place in her heart. Here’s her message.