Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Red flags for Great Lakes beaches
The hallmark of a clean beach is one that is sampled regularly and meets bacteriological water quality standards 95% of the time. Our Great Lakes should be swimmable, not because we massage the numbers, but because the waters are free from the sewage and stormwater pollution that cause beach postings.
Sewage hits Sunnyside beach, just in time for the summer swim season
If it pours rain on Friday afternoon and you head to the beach on Saturday, there’s a good chance you’re exposing yourself to sewage pollution despite that green flag flying. How often do you really want to hear about sewage spills and Lake Ontario? Are you afraid to swim in the lake? We want to hear from you.
We told the Ontario government a microbeads law would help the Great Lakes (and we meant it)
This 5-minute presentation by Krystyn Tully of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper summarizes the reasons the legislation would help to better protect the Great Lakes. It was delivered to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on June 4, 2015.
Tanis Rideout attends the Joe Burke Wolfe Island Literary Festival every year
Every year I get asked by writers, how do I get asked to Wolfe Island? I hear it’s incredible. And they’re right.
Paddling the Upside and the Downside of the Don River
It’s not every day that people can head out on a two hour paddle through the heart of Toronto. It’s actually only possible one day a year, when the Don River is flooded to allow paddlers enough water to make their way down a river that is typically not navigable the rest of the time.
4 Reasons Why You're Not at the Beach Right Now
People love beaches. One in four Canadians will visit a beach this year. One in three Canadians says that their fondest memories of outdoor activities involve water. We love beaches so much that we will spend 13 weeks of our lives at the beach. This begs the question - why aren’t we all at the beach right now?
Love Toronto's waterways? Join Toronto Recreational Water Users Group!
It’s finally spring. That means the ice is gone from Toronto’s lakes, creeks, and rivers. Soon you’ll be able to get back in the water to enjoy all of your favourite recreational water activities. What's the best way to stay on top of all things related to Toronto’s recreational water?
Canadian artists, philanthropists make water personal at Waterkeeper Gala Toronto
A hush fell over the room when auctioneer Stephen Ranger took the stage at the 4th Annual Waterkeeper Gala in Toronto. Ranger, one of Canada’s foremost fine art auctioneers, asked the 400 assembled guests to support swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. They rose to the occasion.
What water means to Barbara Cole, artist
What does water mean to me as an artist? In a word – EVERYTHING.
Gala Blog #5: Volunteers, we need you!
Fun fact about the Waterkeeper Gala: it takes 100 volunteers to make the event run. The Gala is hands-down our biggest volunteer event of the year.