Breaking the myth: Are our rivers safe for swimming? – Dr. Banu Örmeci

When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Where: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive

Every year, questions are raised about the water quality in the Rideau River and whether it is safe for swimming and other recreational activities. This summer, Dr. Örmeci`s research lab tested water quality at five key neighbourhoods along the Rideau River. This was grassroots, community-driven effort to understand the river’s health and answer a simple question: Is the Rideau River safe for swimming and recreation? The team covered the cost of all testing as a public service. In this presentation, Dr. Örmeci will discuss the results of the testing and why it is important to protect our local rivers and keep them swimmable. The project has had nationwide media coverage, including in Maclean’s, on CBC radio and TV, on CTV and in the Ottawa Citizen.

Dr. Banu Örmeci received her MS and PhD degrees from Duke University (USA). She is a Full Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University, the Jarislowsky Chair in Water and Global Health, and the Director of the Carleton Global Water Institute. Her research program is directly related to the protection of public health and the environment, aiming to offer solutions not only to global problems but also to specific issues faced in Canada. She received over 30 prestigious research, teaching, outreach and mentoring awards.

Admission is free, people of all ages are welcome, and refreshments will be served.

Hope to see you there!

Questions & Suggestions? Please email barbara@blackburnhamlet.ca.