Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Toronto Harbour Report: Lake Ontario needs protecting
Official results for the Toronto Harbour Report are in. Watch the video, see the data, and learn how you can help protect the Toronto Harbour.
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!
$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.
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.
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.
Toronto Island Lake Swim: Perfect time to get your feet wet
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to help protect your watershed is to simply experience it. Jump in the lake and connect with it. It’s no surprise that when we found out about Toronto Island local, Kathleen McDonnell – who swam in the lake every day for a year, all 365 days – we had to get in touch with her.
Madhu Nagaraja: Get to know your community by jumping into your lake
Some of the greatest adventures are experienced when we least expect it. So if you’re looking for some inspiration to get yourself excited for the upcoming Toronto Island Lake Swim, look no further. Madhu Nagaraja swam in his first open-water race in 2003. Since then, Madhu has taken on some of the greatest open water challenges that mother nature has to offer – including swimming across Lake Ontario.
Is it really cleaner to swim in a pool or the lake?
After learning about the possibility of contracting illnesses and infections from a trip to the beach, many people ask us if it “safer” to swim in pools. And you might be surprised by what we found out.
When I see sewage pollution: A plea to all who love the lake
The sight of sewage debris in any waterbody is disturbing. And despite the dry weather, Waterkeeper is still finding sewage debris. So if you're one of the thousands who visit the shoreline, we're hoping you can help be our eyes on the water. Here's why.