Swim Drink Fish Blog

Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.

Waterkeeper voices concerns at the Great Lakes Public Forum
Ruby Pajares Ruby Pajares

Waterkeeper voices concerns at the Great Lakes Public Forum

Hosted by the International Joint Commission (IJC), the Great Lakes Public Forum is a binational event between Canada and the United States where the public can share their ideas and concerns, and speak to their vision for the future of the Great Lakes. There were so many highlights during the Great Lakes Public Forum. Here are a few from Waterkeeper’s presentations (in case you missed them).

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Accidental Parkland: An ode to Toronto’s hidden beauties
Ruby Pajares Ruby Pajares

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.

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Toronto Island Lake Swim: Perfect time to get your feet wet
Ruby Pajares Ruby Pajares

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.

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The difference heavy rain can make in Toronto’s inner harbour
TorontoHarbour Monitoring Ruby Pajares TorontoHarbour Monitoring Ruby Pajares

The difference heavy rain can make in Toronto’s inner harbour

We know that rain can have an effect on water quality. This is particularly relevant to recreational water users and why we believe monitoring Toronto’s inner harbour is so important. As we are in the midst of our water sampling effort, we only have lab results from our first water sampling excursion. But after last night's heavy rain, we can draw some comparisons to provide perspective.

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Connecting the drops: Limnologist Nina Munteanu shares insight in her latest book, “Water Is…”
Ruby Pajares Ruby Pajares

Connecting the drops: Limnologist Nina Munteanu shares insight in her latest book, “Water Is…”

Some people are quick to understand our swim drink fish vision. Cut the explanation – some people just get it. That's exactly how we felt about Nina Munteanu when we first met her. This Sunday, we’re one of many who are joining Nina in Etobicoke for the launch of her latest book, Water Is... . We recently caught up with Nina to discuss details what Water Is... is all about.

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No notifications, no information: Paddling with a floating condom
Toronto Sewage Bypasses Ruby Pajares Toronto Sewage Bypasses Ruby Pajares

No notifications, no information: Paddling with a floating condom

Last summer, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment decided that Toronto should notify the public of wet weather events. This will alert the public when recreational water quality is in question. If you happen to be one of Toronto’s many dedicated rec water users like Michael and Nadia Austin, you probably have a few concerns. Waterkeeper caught up with these two surfer-SUP’ers to discuss their recent experiences on the water.

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