Seine River Water Quality Concerns Impact Paris Olympics Prep

Paris Seine River Water Quality Deterioration Leads to Partial Swimming Event Omission

In anticipation of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, concerns are escalating regarding the water quality of the Seine River, which winds through the heart of Paris, France. As the city readies itself for Olympic aquatic events, criticism has emerged due to long-standing issues plaguing the river, including foul odors and contamination, which have been a source of concern for years.

The Olympic organizing committee revealed that during the test events for triathlon and paratriathlon held in the Seine River between the 17th and 20th of this month, some of the scheduled events had to be canceled. Officials stated that the decision to skip the swimming portion of the triathlon was made in the interest of the athletes' health. Triathlon consists of swimming, cycling, and running, with the swimming leg being omitted due to ongoing water quality concerns.

The primary reason for canceling the swimming events was the chronic deterioration of water quality in the Seine River. Even leading up to these games, E. coli levels in the river exceeded safety standards.

Earlier this month, an open water swimming test event was also canceled for the same reason. Heavy rainfall was cited as the cause of the worsening water quality on that occasion, yet the exact reasons behind the current deterioration remain unclear.

Pierre-Louis Lavaud, Deputy Mayor of Paris, stated, "We are investigating the cause of the water quality decline, but we have not yet identified the exact reasons."

The Seine River has been off-limits for watercraft and other activities since 1923 due to safety concerns and severe water pollution. Despite efforts to address contamination, the river continues to suffer from various forms of pollution, including sewage and garbage, resulting in offensive odors. To ensure a successful Olympic hosting, the French government has allocated approximately €2 billion (around $2.36 billion) for a comprehensive river cleanup initiative, a decision made to address the challenging issue of water quality.

The Olympic organizing committee maintains confidence that aquatic events in the Seine River will be feasible next year. Despite the omission of swimming events, the committee reported an overall positive outcome from the test events, stating, "The results of these trial events were generally positive."

Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris Olympics Organizing Committee, emphasized, "Both triathlon and open water swimming will take place in the Seine River next year. There is no Plan B."