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Read the latest stories, updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, and more.
Toronto to start issuing updates when wet weather affects Lake Ontario; Government releases response to Waterkeeper’s legal application (Press Release)
Wet weather alerts are coming to Toronto! Following a year-long investigation, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change says that the public should receive more information about water quality following heavy rains and snow melts. Even partially-treated sewage in the water means that people who are paddling, surfing, and boating could get sick - and they don’t even know it. Government monitoring showed elevated levels of bacteria offshore in Lake Ontario. Expect to see Toronto’s new communications kick-in soon.
BREAKING NEWS: Wet weather water quality updates are coming to Toronto, Ministry of the Environment decides
The Ministry of the Environment has decided that Torontonians should have more information, including water quality advisories for non-beach areas and real-time bypass updates. Here's the official decision.
How to communicate to the public about water quality
Face it. Talking about the impact failing infrastructure has on water quality and waterways is a challenge. No matter how hard you try, the message comes out like this: “There’s sewage in our waters. Except when there’s not. And sometimes it’s stormwater, which can be as bad as sewage. Except when it’s not.” What the public hears is either, “your river is full of sewage all the time” or, “your lake is perfect all the time.”
Climate change, extreme weather are Great Lakes issues
Though the media reports don’t connect the Climate Summit to the lake next door, they are related. As goes our climate change and adaptation strategies, so goes Lake Ontario.
POLL: Should the City of Toronto notify the public when bypasses happen at wastewater treatment plants?
We want to hear from you. With the Pan Am Games just days away, thousands are about to jump in – Torontonians and visitors from around the world. Is it time the City of Toronto informed the public when its waters are unsafe?
4 spin techniques polluters love, with examples from the City of Toronto sewage case
What does a polluter or apologist do when they are at odds with public opinion? In the years that I have been practicing environmental law, I’ve watched time and time again as people use the same spin techniques to downplay public concerns. It works more often than I’d like to admit. And it’s happening right now here in Toronto.
We answer your questions about Toronto's brown waterfront
Our phone has been ringing off the hook with questions about Toronto's waterfront - specifically, what's going on with the brown water. Here's some basic information to help you understand what's happening. (Spoiler alert: it's sewage).
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