Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Waterkeeper's comments for the Nuclear Safety Commission's BWXT relicensing hearing
BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada (BWXT) operates nuclear processing facilities in Toronto and Peterborough. They supply fuel pellets for the Pickering and Darlington Nuclear Generating Stations. BWXT’s licence is set to expire later in 2020, and Waterkeeper prepared a report to help ensure any new licence issued by the CNSC Commission promotes the swimmability, drinkability, and fishability of the Lake Ontario watershed. We’ve posted a summary of our comments and the original submissions here.
Report on Toronto's watersheds available for public comment
The team behind the Toronto & Region Remedial Action Plan has released a report indicating that the aesthetic problems with Toronto's water has been solved and can be considered "Not impaired". The report is available for public comment. Details here.
City officials to discuss Toronto water quality at public meeting, September 20
Senior officials from the City of Toronto will take the stage at a “Lake Ontario Evenings” event on September 20 at the Gladstone Hotel. Learn more details here.
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.
Waterkeeper’s preliminary comments on the Scarborough Waterfront Project
The Scarborough Waterfront Project (“SWP”) is a proposal to build an 11-km shoreline pathway along the stretch of Bluffs lining Lake Ontario. Because this is the first phase of the assessment process, Waterkeeper’s comments are focused on the overarching purpose and direction of the project.
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.
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?
Toronto’s beach renaissance
Last week, the Great Lakes Beach Association held their 2014 conference in Toronto where a spectrum of beach monitors gathered: scientists, government representatives, educators, researchers, and health unit officials. And the level engagement was incredible.
Toronto’s best kept secret is how much we love our beaches.
Toronto inches closer to better sewage pollution notification system; Ontario Environment Ministry launches review in response to Waterkeeper application (Press Release)
Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change announced on September 10, 2014 that it will review public reporting about water quality issues during severe weather events. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper triggered the review with a legal application filed in July under the Environmental Bill of Rights.