Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
After 15 years, where is swimmable drinkable fishable water today?
Waterkeeper has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of people who want to do more for their watershed. That's why, on the week of our 15th anniversary, we're turning the spotlight on them.
Gala Blog #4: 4 surprising ways the Waterkeeper Gala has changed the future (so far)
What makes the Waterkeeper Gala the highlight of our year? The event raises funds for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. But the true impact is much greater than the dollars-raised tally. Unexpected relationships. Behind-the-scenes moments. They have a big impact.
Being a Waterkeeper is hard. Artists make it easier.
From the inception of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, no group stepped up more than the writers, musicians, actors, poets, painters, and photographers. And this year's series of Waterkeeper Galas is proof. Artists are often the most active and visionary validators for swimmable drinkable fishable water.
Enbridge pipeline project delayed by water protection concerns
Until Enbridge proves that there are shutoff valves located on all major waterway crossings, the flow of oil through Line 9B cannot be reversed. According to the Board's letter, 104 major waterway crossings along the pipeline. Only 6 have shutoff valves within 1km of the water.
Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC), one of Waterkeeper's first sponsors
If you’ve ever bought one of our signature Swim Drink Fish T-shirts, chances are you picked it up at an MEC store!
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper responds to National Energy Board’s approval of Line 9 decision
We are disappointed by the Board's decision. The NEB could have denied Enbridge’s application or imposed stricter terms and conditions that would better protect the environment, but chose not to take environmental concerns to heart.
American Eel needs Ontario's help to recover, Waterkeeper tells province
The Eel was once the most abundant fish in Lake Ontario. It swam from the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda, up the St. Lawrence River, and spent most of its life here before returning to the ocean to spawn.
Because of barriers (dams, causeways) and loss of habitat from development, the Eel has virtually disappeared from our waters.
Under Ontario's endangered species legislation, the Province must develop a recovery strategy. This document was published in 2013 and the public was invited to comment. The province's response is due within 9 months.
Need a Source? Waterkeeper can help you cover the Enbridge Line 9 pipeline reversal
Reversing Line 9B could have serious impacts on the public’s ability to safely swim, drink, and fish in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Ottawa River, and St. Lawrence River watersheds. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and our peers are very concerned about irreversible harm to the natural environment that would results from spills.
Environmentalists speak out against proposal to transport heavy crude oil by pipeline along Great Lakes watersheds
Jaegun Lee, Staff Writer for the Watertown Daily Times, outlines Waterkeepers' concerns about Enbridge's Line 9 oil pipeline proposal.
4 Waterkeeper groups submit comments on Enbridge's Line 9 reversal proposal
Enbridge is proposing a change to its oil pipeline, most of which runs through the Lake Ontario watershed. Four Waterkeepers collaborated on this submission, sharing four major concerns: Leaks or spills from Line 9 have the potential to cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment. Pipeline breaches can occur for a variety of reasons, allowing material to enter the environment. Enbridge has a record of failing to prevent major leaks and spills and failing to respond to spills in a timely manner. Leaks or spills from this pipeline can and should be prevented. Enbridge must be held accountable for any leaks or spills from this pipeline.
Read our complete submission here.