Tests are being conducted daily to assess the water quality of the Seine River, which is set to host important events during the upcoming Olympic Games, including the mixed relay triathlon on August 5, the marathon swimming on August 8 and 9, and the para-triathlon event starting August 28.
For over a century, swimming in the Seine has been prohibited due to significant pollution and health risks. However, extensive investments have been made by French authorities to restore the river’s viability for swimming, aiming to secure a legacy from the Games.
Organizers have reported a staggering investment of approximately 1.4 billion euros in a regeneration initiative to ensure the river is safe for aquatic activities. Recently, the Mayor of Paris took to the river herself to underscore the successful clean-up efforts, and tests earlier this month indicated that the water quality had improved sufficiently for swimming.
Despite these advancements, heavy rainfall over the past weekend has negatively affected water quality. Additionally, thundery showers are predicted for Wednesday morning, following a forecast of high temperatures of up to 35°C on Tuesday.
France remains behind the European Union’s average for top-quality bathing water standards. Data from July 17 to 23 revealed that the Seine was suitable for swimming on six out of those seven days. In contrast, just last June, E. coli levels in the river were found to be ten times above the acceptable threshold set by sports federations.
