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PARIS — The Seine River has emerged as an unexpected highlight of this year’s Olympics, serving both as the backdrop for the ambitious opening ceremony and as the venue for the triathlon and marathon swimming events. However, the efforts to showcase this iconic waterway in Paris have not come without significant challenges. Addressing the most pressing issue—water quality—could prove to be a crucial factor for the success of these games.
French authorities have pledged a €1.4 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) cleanup initiative aimed at ensuring that a river historically so polluted that local residents were prohibited from swimming can finally facilitate bathing opportunities in the coming summer months. Additionally, the hope is that a cleaner river will revitalize the overall environment.
Despite these promises, some experts remain skeptical, as the Olympics have revealed ongoing obstacles that need to be addressed. Daily testing during the games showed that the Seine did not consistently meet acceptable levels for disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli, resulting in the cancellation of several test swims and a one-day delay of the men’s individual triathlon. However, improved results later allowed the Olympic events to proceed.
For many Parisians, swimming in the Seine has long been a distant dream. In the 1970s, the river hosted only three to four species of fish due to severe pollution from industrial activities. Today, around 35 species are expected to share the river. A public swimming test is already planned for mid-September, in anticipation of a city ordinance that aims to allow everyone to take a dip by next summer.
French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the success of the Olympic triathlon tests, calling it “a fantastic opportunity for the residents of the Paris region, who will now be able to swim in the river and for biodiversity.” Authorities have identified three potential swimming sites, including one near Notre Dame, another close to the Eiffel Tower, and a third in eastern Paris. These swimming spots will depend on water quality results meeting European standards. In a world that is increasingly warming, the river could also serve as a means for residents to stay cool during more frequent heatwaves. However, heavy rainfall can wash runoff and sewage—along with bacteria—into the river, while climate change makes weather patterns more extreme.
Since 2017, Parisians have been able to swim in the Canal de l’Ourcq in the northern part of the city, where water quality has been found to be better than that of the Seine, according to health agency analyses. To achieve swimmable standards in the Seine, authorities have opened new disinfection facilities and established a large storage basin to prevent bacteria-laden sewage from entering the river directly during rain.
According to Michel Riottot, an expert in health and environment at France Nature Environnement, there are still hurdles to overcome to ensure clean water. “When the sewage systems become saturated with rainwater, especially during storms, overflow is still discharged into the Seine,” he explained. Additionally, there are 23,000 homes upstream in Paris that discharge their sewage directly into the stormwater system, which flows directly to the river.
Despite these concerns, the idea of swimming in this Parisian landmark is irresistible to many. Sina Witte, an experienced swimmer, participated in a swimming experience on the same day that Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the river. “I really enjoyed it,” she said. “I swam back and forth for about 45 minutes.” She did not fall ill afterward.
The Paris City Council has committed to ensuring that “the entire ecosystem will benefit from this cleanup project,” and the Olympics have also prompted investments in sustainable solutions, including a stimulus program for boat operators to switch to electric motors.
With the Olympic Games underway, it is clear that efforts to make the Seine a safe swimming locale are ongoing, and this river could become more than just a picturesque setting; it may become a sanctuary for both citizens and visitors in Paris.
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