Seine River reopens for swimming after historic clean-up effort
- Public swimming in the Seine River resumed on July 5, 2024, after more than a hundred years.
- Significant investments were made to improve water quality, including upgrading sewer connections and treatment facilities.
- The reopening has been positively received by locals, marking a new chapter in the river's history.
The Seine River in France has been reopened for public swimming after comprehensive clean-up operations aimed at improving water quality for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. This historical reopening occurred on July 5, 2024, allowing Parisians to enjoy swimming in a river that had been off-limits for swimmers since 1923 due to pollution concerns. With the Olympics approaching, authorities prioritized the river's clean-up, which involved significant investments to connect homes to the sewer system, upgrade water treatment facilities, and build reservoirs for rainwater storage to manage stormwater runoff. The clean-up efforts were not only about preparing the river for Olympic events such as triathlons but also aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life in Paris by making the Seine accessible to locals and visitors alike. As a result of these efforts, three designated swimming sites along the river will be available to the public until August 31, 2024. The initial response from swimmers has been positive, with many expressing surprise and delight at the clean and warm water, though there are occasional mentions of algae, which is considered normal for river swimming. In addition to the sites in Paris, the authorities planned the establishment of 14 swimming locations along the Seine and Marne rivers outside the city, which are expected to promote recreational activities and tourism. Daily water quality tests will be conducted during the swimming season, ensuring that swimmers are informed about safe swimming conditions with the help of flag indicators showing areas that are open or closed. This revitalization of the Seine is a significant step in transforming the image of the river, once known for its pollution and inaccessibility, into a lively part of the city's cultural and social life. The river is set to play a central role during the Olympic Games, exemplified by the Opening Ceremony where each participating nation's delegates will be transported along the Seine, highlighting its importance as both a natural resource and a historical landmark in Paris.