Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Toronto Sewage Bypass Log
Until the City of Toronto begins to alert the public when a sewage bypass occurs, our Swimmable Water Ambassadors will call the Humber Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment plant for this information and share it here.
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.
Waterkeeper's presentation to Toronto's PWI Committee on the Pollution Prevention Program
On November 12, 2015, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's Public Interest Articling Fellow, Tristan Willis and Legal Practicum Student, Hannah Gladstone presented to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee at City Hall in Toronto on the proposed change to the Pollution Prevention Program (“P2” Program). This is what we presented.
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).
City of Toronto withholding information about sewage bypasses
No one should ever get sick from a day out on the water. Recreational water illnesses can be prevented by providing the public with reliable, current information about water quality. If people can make informed choices about where and when to swim, thousands of waterborne illnesses would be prevented each year. That’s what makes Toronto’s recent storm – and the government’s silence – so infuriating.
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.
Toronto residents need alerts when City dumps sewage into Lake Ontario, argues Waterkeeper in new legal application (Press Release)
For Immediate Release - The City of Toronto has a sewage problem that could affect public health says Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. The organization’s co-founders filed a legal application with the Province of Ontario today asking the city to issue alerts when it bypasses sewage into public waterways.