Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Press Release: New Toronto Harbour Monitoring Report shows Inner Harbour needs city action on water testing, sewage cleanup
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, a Swim Drink Fish Initiative, is releasing findings from its Toronto Harbour Monitoring Program. After testing water quality for four months, the charity found that a disturbing amount of sewage ends up in Toronto’s Inner Harbour from combined sewer outfalls.
Swim Drink Fish: Statement
After yesterday's rainfall we encourage Toronto residents and visitors to report any sightings of sewage and pollution in the Inner Harbour, Don River, Humber River and Black Creek areas to 311 Toronto via phone, email and social media. It is advised to avoid swimming for 48-hours after rainfall.
Read the full statement here.
Swim Drink Fish and the City of Kingston unveil the Gord Edgar Downie Pier
The Gord Edgar Downie Pier honours one of Kingston’s most cherished citizens, Gord Downie. He was also a board member and mentor to Swim Drink Fish. Having lived across the street from the pier, Gord became an advocate for accessible water in Kingston and all of Canada. Including Gord’s father's name, Edgar, was a fitting tribute to the Downie family, said his brother, Patrick Downie.
Press Release: Car dealerships take charge on water quality
Toronto Honda and Toronto Kia launch a new campaign to improve Lake Ontario water quality in partnership with Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. Skip the Wash, Save the Lake reduces water pollution and the number of car washes at both dealerships."
PRESS RELEASE: Lake Ontario Waterkeeper Releases 2nd Annual Toronto Harbour Report
TORONTO, ON - Lake Ontario Waterkeeper’s 2nd Annual Toronto Harbour Report launched on Wednesday to a crowd of volunteers, donors and community stakeholders. The report summarized Waterkeeper’s findings and offers recommendations that will help to protect Toronto Harbour and water users. It highlighted the continued problem with raw sewage pollution from Toronto’s combined sewage outflows within the inner harbour.
For Immediate Release: Swim Drink Fish Canada Presents the Waterkeeper Showcase at Wolfe Island Music Festival
WOLFE ISLAND — Swim Drink Fish Canada will host the Waterkeeper Showcase on the main stage of the Wolfe Island Music Festival on Friday August 11th. The Waterkeeper Showcase will be hosted by Swim Drink Fish President Mark Mattson. Performing artists include Said The Whale, YOUR BOY, The Kents, and Lou Canon.
New Sewer Monitoring Innovation Makes Kingston Leader in Protecting Public Health, Great Lakes — Media Release
Kingston, ONTARIO – Utilities Kingston’s new real-time sewer monitoring system, a first in Ontario, is now live. The system alerts residents when untreated sewage overflows from waterfront pipes into Lake Ontario. It uses technology developed by Utilities Kingston to meet the needs of people who swim or boat in the city.
Press Release: Canadian artists, philanthropists contribute to another outstanding Waterkeeper Gala
Over four hundred influential artists, athletes, philanthropists and business leaders gathered for an inspirational evening at the 6th Annual Waterkeeper Gala presented by McKeil Marine. The event was held for the third time at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre in Toronto last Thursday, April 20th. More than $550,000 was raised at the event, bringing the event’s fundraising tally to $2.9-million over the past six years.
Sewage affecting Toronto Harbour, says new report from Waterkeeper (Press Release)
December 16, 2016 — Sewage flows into Toronto's inner harbour regularly. When it happens, there is no water quality monitoring or public alerts to inform the public. Those are the findings of a new video report released Thursday by the charity Lake Ontario Waterkeeper.
Need a Source? Waterkeeper can help you cover raw sewage, untreated wastewater and Canadian waters
A recent CBC News report indicated that “more than 205-billion litres of raw sewage and untreated waste water spewed into Canada's rivers and oceans last year.” If you are a reporter covering environment, infrastructure, or municipal issues, then the dumping of untreated wastewater will be of interest to your readers. So use us as a source of information and contact us!