Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
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.
Waterkeeper Mark Mattson discusses sewage with Global TV
There's a lot of talk about sewage, especially with today's news on Montreal's massive sewage dump. And we love talking about sewage, so Global TV stopped by our office to talk with Waterkeeper Mark Mattson about sewage dumps in Montreal and Toronto.
POLL: Have you ever experienced a recreational water illness?
Recreational water users are true ambassadors for swimmable water. Swimmers, paddlers, boaters, surfers, people who fish – you are the first to share your love for the lake. But you’re also the first to experience the negative side of poor water quality. Which is why we need to hear from you.
City of Toronto has opportunity to show leadership on Great Lakes in wake of sewage decision
Toronto is the largest in the country. Its political influence rivals, if not equals, the Ministry of the Environment’s. The MOE's recent decision to notify the public of wet weather water quality gives the City of Toronto an opportunity to become a leader on recreational water protection.
Wet weather and bypass advisories are finally coming … What happens next?
It took a lot of work to get to this point, but it was worth it! After a year-long investigation prompted by Waterkeeper, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change made their decision – and it's great news for Torontonians!
Toronto to start issuing updates when wet weather affects Lake Ontario; Government releases response to Waterkeeper’s legal application (Press Release)
Wet weather alerts are coming to Toronto! Following a year-long investigation, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change says that the public should receive more information about water quality following heavy rains and snow melts. Even partially-treated sewage in the water means that people who are paddling, surfing, and boating could get sick - and they don’t even know it. Government monitoring showed elevated levels of bacteria offshore in Lake Ontario. Expect to see Toronto’s new communications kick-in soon.
BREAKING NEWS: Wet weather water quality updates are coming to Toronto, Ministry of the Environment decides
The Ministry of the Environment has decided that Torontonians should have more information, including water quality advisories for non-beach areas and real-time bypass updates. Here's the official decision.
How to communicate to the public about water quality
Face it. Talking about the impact failing infrastructure has on water quality and waterways is a challenge. No matter how hard you try, the message comes out like this: “There’s sewage in our waters. Except when there’s not. And sometimes it’s stormwater, which can be as bad as sewage. Except when it’s not.” What the public hears is either, “your river is full of sewage all the time” or, “your lake is perfect all the time.”
Climate change, extreme weather are Great Lakes issues
Though the media reports don’t connect the Climate Summit to the lake next door, they are related. As goes our climate change and adaptation strategies, so goes Lake Ontario.
POLL: Should the City of Toronto notify the public when bypasses happen at wastewater treatment plants?
We want to hear from you. With the Pan Am Games just days away, thousands are about to jump in – Torontonians and visitors from around the world. Is it time the City of Toronto informed the public when its waters are unsafe?