Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
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.
Three things to remember for open-water swimming
With hundreds of kilometres of Lake Ontario shoreline, the opportunity for open-water swimming is all around you. You don’t need to travel far to ‘get into nature’. You can explore nature by swimming in your local waters. Here are three things to remember for open-water swimming.
Letter to City of Toronto requesting sewage spill cleanup - August 2018
The average rainfall for the entire month of August landed on Toronto in a single 24-hour period on August 7, 2018. The Swim Drink Fish Monitoring Team went to Harbourfront on the morning of August 8, 2018. They found evidence of a major sewage spill that poses a threat to public and environmental health. This letter to the City of Toronto explains our concerns.
Cautionary warning to all Toronto waterfront users after sewage spill - update with sample results
Last night’s heavy rainfall caused a significant sewage spill in Toronto’s Inner Harbour. To reduce exposure to bacteria and waterborne illnesses, Toronto waterfront users should avoid contact with the water for at least 48 hours.
Waterkeeper submission on the current state and future of National Energy data
On May 29, 2018, Pippa Feinstein presented Waterkeeper’s submission on the current and future of National Energy data to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources.
Swimming in Lake Ontario: Five beaches to explore this weekend
Can I swim in Lake Ontario? Is it safe to swim in Lake Ontario? But where would I swim even if it’s safe?Have you ever asked yourself one (or all) of these questions? Here are the answers and five Lake Ontario beaches to explore this weekend.
Line in the sand: What I saw and heard at the Breakwater Park and Gord Edgar Downie Pier opening
There is a moment after you leap from the pier when you hover in the 4-foot space between land and water. You are falling, flying, bracing yourself for impact. Then Lake Ontario opens up for you. It is all around you. The moment of falling is over. You are swimming.
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.
Gratitude Swim celebrates Swim Drink Fish movement and Gord Edgar Downie Pier
On Thursday, July 26, 2018, the Gratitude Swim follows the Gord Edgar Downie Pier dedication with the City of Kingston and The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. It celebrates decades of hard work, from you and many others. Read more and find out how to participate.
Gord Edgar Downie Pier at Breakwater Park reclaims Kingston’s waterfront
As you stand on the edge of the new Gord Edgar Downie Pier on July 26th and prepare to jump in, we ask you to take a moment. Pause. Reflect. This day has been decades in the making. Find out more about Waterkeeper’s history with Kingston and this new swimming pier as a beacon for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water.