Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed confidence that the water quality in the River Seine will meet Olympic standards this summer, and she plans to swim there to prove it. The Seine will be the venue for marathon swimming and the swimming leg of the Olympic and Paralympic triathlons. Special facilities have been constructed to clean up the river, including a water treatment plant in Champigny-sur-Marne and a storage basin to reduce the need to release bacteria-laden wastewater into the Seine untreated during rainstorms. Hidalgo has invited top officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, to join her in a swimming event called “the big dive” at the end of June or beginning of July.
The estimated cost of the Seine cleanup efforts is $1.5 billion, funded by the state and local authorities. Routine water testing will begin on June 1 when all the new treatment facilities are operational. During the Olympics, water will be tested daily at 3 a.m. to determine if events should proceed as planned. If pollution levels are too high, events may be rescheduled or canceled. The Surfrider Foundation reported that the Seine is a “particularly polluted spot” based on six months of bacteria level monitoring, warning that athletes will be swimming in polluted water and facing health risks.
Alongside the preparations for water quality, Paris is also addressing security concerns ahead of the Olympic Games. About 30,000 police officers are expected to be deployed each day during the Games, with 45,000 working during the opening ceremony on the Seine. Hidalgo emphasized that security is a top priority for the authorities to ensure the safety of attendees and to maintain freedom and cultural celebrations during the summer. Despite concerns about pollution levels, Hidalgo remains confident that the water quality in the Seine will be suitable for swimming during the Games and potentially for public use beyond 2025.
The recent inauguration of the water treatment plant in Champigny-sur-Marne marks a significant step in the efforts to clean up the Seine and improve water quality. The new facilities aim to treat water rather than releasing it untreated into the river, providing a safer environment for swimmers and athletes during the Olympics. Hidalgo’s promise to swim in the Seine before the Games reflects her belief in the progress made in cleaning up the river, and she invites others, including President Macron, to join her in the “big dive” event. By implementing measures to monitor and improve water quality, Paris aims to ensure a successful and safe Olympic Games experience for participants and spectators alike.
The commitment to enhancing water quality in the Seine demonstrates Paris’s dedication to hosting a successful and environmentally conscious Olympic Games. Despite initial concerns about pollution levels, the city has implemented significant measures to improve water treatment and infrastructure, making it possible for athletes to compete in clean and safe water. The ongoing testing and monitoring of water quality, as well as collaborations with environmental groups, highlight Paris’s efforts to ensure a positive and healthy experience for all participants during the Games. By addressing issues such as water pollution and security concerns, Paris is preparing to host an unforgettable Olympic event that showcases both the city’s cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability.
