Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
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!
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and Swim Guide sign on to Public Notification for CSOs in the Great Lakes
On September 23, 2016, Waterkeepers of the Great Lakes Region, including Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and Swim Guide, signed onto comments for the “Public Notification for Combined Sewer Overflows in the Great Lakes."
NEB vs. CNSC: Comparing ethical standards behind closed doors
Members from Canadian energy regulators must abide by a certain code of ethics to ensure decisions are conducted in a way that prevents the perception of bias. But what happens when members don't abide by the code? Waterkeeper Mark Mattson and Waterkeeper's legal respresentative Pippa Feinstein analyze recent happenings regarding Canada's energy regulators, the NEB and the CNSC.
$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.
Triclosan: An antibacterial threatening germs and the Great Lakes
Found to be toxic, synthetic chemical triclosan is used in toothpaste, skin cleansers, moisturizers, hand soaps, detergents, cookware, and furniture to name a few. But without a way to filter triclosan out of effluent, triclosan is washing into lakes, rivers, groundwater, and other waterways.
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.
Why I can’t encourage you to jump in
Tomorrow, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is involved in two big events on Toronto’s waterfront. And unfortunately, I can’t encourage people to enter the water.
Microfibres: The microplastic causing macro-problems in global waters
There’s a lot of concern over plastics these days. Plastic pollution now accounts for 80% of all the waste in the Great Lakes. But one particular type of microplastic has long gone under the radar for years –microfibres.
Shoreline syringes and what to do if you spot one
There is nothing quite like feeling sand between your toes when you are barefoot on the beach. The last thing you want to do is step on something sharp. Even more horrifying is if that sharp object turns out to be a discarded needle.
Lake Ontario water colours: What the lake’s hue can tell you
The colour of the lake can tell us a lot about the lake’s shape, depth, geology, and weather. We can also learn a lot about what is happening in and around the water. Let’s take a look at Lake Ontario’s water colours and see what the different shades can tell us.