Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Can sewers overflow in dry weather?
Our data shows Toronto’s combined sewers overflow during dry weather, not just during a rainfall event. This raises important questions. Is the City of Toronto’s sewer system overcapacity? Could dry weather sewer overflows be linked to to new urban developments? Here’s what you need to know.
An Update on the Toronto Harbour Monitoring Report 3.0 and a Call to Action
On November 7th, the Toronto Harbour Monitoring Report 3.0 was released detailing our findings from the water sampling season. This is the one month update after it’s release, which outlines the next steps for the program. The dream of having a swimmable, fishable, and drinkable harbour is on the horizon, and the five recommendations to the City of Toronto will help define this plan if implemented. To help you community please read, share, write a letter, and help volunteer to take water samples.
Submission to Ontario government to protect integrity of Environmental Commissioner's office
In November 2018, the Government of Ontario introduced Bill 57, Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018. It is an omnibus bill that also amends other existing provincial laws, including the Environmental Bill of Rights. Swim Drink Fish’s submission contains recommendations intended to protect the integrity and the purpose of the Environmental Commissioner’s office.
Are Sewage Spill Alerts and Real-Time Monitoring Coming to Ontario?
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, a Swim Drink Fish Initiative, has yet to review the plan in its entirety, but understands through the summary on the registry that sewage spill alerts and real-time monitoring may be coming to Ontario communities. This action, is something Lake Ontario Waterkeeper has been calling for, for a long time. If the rules are clear and enforceable, it could be a crucial turning point for Great Lakes communities.
A letter to Mayor Tory about Waterkeeper's Toronto Harbour Monitoring Report
On November 7, 2018 Waterkeeper presented its Toronto Harbour Monitoring Report as well as a letter to Mayor John Tory outlining the importance of the report’s five recommendations. Sixty five members of Toronto’s waterfront community signed onto Waterkeeper’s letter to the mayor.
Environmental Commissioner urges the Ontario government to eliminate sewage pollution
Ontarians who care about clean water - which is basically everyone - got a show of support from the province’s independent environmental commissioner today. When Dianne Saxe released her third annual report this morning, she called on the province to do more to protect urban waters. An entire section of the Commissioner’s report examines combined sewage pollution in Ontario, mentioning the growing push for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water in Ontario.
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.
City of Toronto in "defining moment" for its waterfront states 2018 Toronto Harbour Monitoring Report
Waterkeeper’s third annual Toronto Harbour Monitoring Report is clear: Toronto’s waterfront is in a defining moment. The City of Toronto can embrace the harbour’s water quality problems, or let sewage pollution alienate people from the waterfront for years to come.
Comment period open for proposed road near Port Hope’s West Beach
Beaches are your gateway to your local waters. The Municipality of Port Hope is currently completing a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, which could change how West Beach connects you to Lake Ontario in coming seasons.
Make the most of your Labour Day weekend with Great Lakes Guide
As you consider the last few activities on your summer checklist, consider a trip to a provincial park along Lake Ontario’s shores. They offer places to swim, hike, paddle, camp and relax. One trip with multiple possibilities. Summer happens by the water and provincial parks connect you with Lake Ontario.
Use Great Lakes Guide to make the most of this Labour Day weekend.