Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Wet weather and bypass advisories are finally coming … What happens next?
It took a lot of work to get to this point, but it was worth it! After a year-long investigation prompted by Waterkeeper, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change made their decision – and it's great news for Torontonians!
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.
CASE UPDATE: Federal Gov't Move to Ban Microbeads
Yesterday, the Government of Canada announced its intention to ban plastic microbeads in personal care products. While it's clear this a great first step for the country, Waterkeeper Mark Mattson deciphers if it's enough for Canada's waterways.
Escape the Pool! The Boom in Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming is on the rise. With local events like the North Shore Challenge and the Toronto Island Lake Swim surging in popularity, would you consider swimming the distance?
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.”
Need a Source? How to find the best beaches in Ontario before the holiday weekend (Press Release)
Through Swim Guide, we monitor 7,000 beaches across Canada and the USA. See which Ontario beaches we're recommending you visit this long weekend. And see which ones we unfortunately don't.
Microplastics sampling with biologist Lisa Erdle and Toronto Brigantine Inc.
A microplastics monitoring program officially launched for Toronto and the Great Lakes. We had the honour of going on the program’s first official sample sail. Take a look at what we found.
The Swim Meet: Reflections on meeting Marilyn Bell
As Lake Ontario's Waterkeeper, some days can be quite challenging for Mark Mattson. But after meeting Marilyn Bell and her "Swim Team," Mark is more confidant and more inspired than ever.
Healthy Parks, Healthy People: The benefits of connecting Canadians with nature
Spending even just a bit of time outside – in a forest, by a creek, on a mountain, in a city park – does a world of good for our mental, physical, and social well-being. The more you nurture your relationship with nature, the greater the benefits to your health. Tomorrow Friday, July 17th, you can visit any Ontario Provincial Park for free.