Paris is making strides in its efforts to improve the water quality of the River Seine ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games. Mayor Anne Hidalgo has pledged that the river will be safe for swimming and has expressed confidence, saying, “For sure, because water quality will be good.” The Seine will host the marathon swimming events as well as the swimming portion of the Olympic and Paralympic triathlons. For decades, the Seine was considered too polluted for swimming due to its toxicity. However, the city has invested heavily in new facilities to clean up the river. A water treatment plant in Champigny-sur-Marne was recently inaugurated, and a massive storage basin will soon be officially opened to reduce the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Seine during rainfall.
The mayor has extended an invitation to high-profile figures, including President Emmanuel Macron, to join her in a symbolic “big dive” in the Seine in late June or early July. This event aims to demonstrate the river’s improved water quality. Paris Olympics organizers and IOC president Thomas Bach have also been invited to participate.
The city is determined to ensure the safety of athletes and beachgoers during the Games and beyond. Water quality will be closely monitored throughout the Olympics, with testing conducted daily to determine whether events can proceed as scheduled. In the event of excessive pollution, events may be rescheduled or, in extreme cases, the swimming portion of the triathlon could be canceled.
Despite concerns raised by environmental groups, the city maintains that the Seine will meet Olympic standards. The Surfrider Foundation recently released a report highlighting the presence of bacteria in the river, but the Paris regional prefect dismissed the findings as based on winter testing when swimming is not permitted.
The cost of the Seine cleanup efforts is estimated at 1.4 billion euros, funded by the state and local authorities. Routine water testing will commence on June 1st when all new treatment facilities are operational.
The mayor’s news conference also unveiled plans for cultural and sports events to be held across Paris during the summer. “We are working together to ensure that the party is beautiful,” said Hidalgo. Security remains a top priority, with approximately 30,000 police officers expected to be deployed daily during the Games, including 45,000 for the opening ceremony on the Seine.
