– Q. Dear Rov, can one use rivers or ponds for immersion of new utensils?

A. On a similar question (2023) we were asked;
“Lekavod Harav Shlit’a, during these times where access to some of the keilim mikva were restricted, there has been various opinions regarding the status of ponds and rivers. For example there is a pond on Centre street and Yonge street as well as Clark and Dufferin. Would we be able to tovel dishes in such a place where we can’t fully know how it came about, and if yes can one make a bracha?”

To what we answered:
“Although it may be that the Oakbank Pond (Centre and Yonge) and Marita Payne Pond (Clark and Dufferin) are not truly natural ponds, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since they are fed by rainwater and the water in them is clean and does not flow out constantly (zochalin), they are acceptable for tevilas kelim with a brocho.”

Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a added that one has to be careful not to toivel when raining.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon
Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.