Seine River Cleaned for Olympics

The Seine River has been deemed safe for Olympic swimming and triathlon events after meeting European bathing water standards, confirmed by the Surfrider Foundation, an NGO monitoring water quality. This achievement follows extensive cleaning initiatives by French authorities and a period of dry weather. Recently, Minister for Sport Amélie Oudéa-Castera and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo demonstrated the river's safety by diving into its waters, signaling a successful turnaround from earlier concerns. In April, the Surfrider Foundation raised alarms about high bacteria levels in the Seine, prompting fears for athletes' health. The pollution was primarily attributed to rainwater overflow from sewage systems and domestic wastewater discharge, necessitating significant sanitation efforts. As of mid-July, water quality samples indicated compliance with bathing directives, allowing the scheduled events on July 30 and 31 to proceed. Despite this progress, the water quality remains vulnerable to weather conditions, particularly heavy rain, which could lead to renewed pollution. In such a scenario, event organizers may need to postpone the competitions until the water is deemed safe again. Alternatively, the nautical stadium at Vaires-sur-Marne, located about 50 kilometers from Paris, could serve as a backup venue. While the cleanup has faced criticism for its high costs, Paris City Hall emphasizes that these efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance public access to the Seine by the summer of 2025. The NGO noted that improved water quality is not solely due to municipal efforts but also significantly influenced by favorable weather conditions.