"Parisians Await Olympic Games’ €1.4bn Clean-up to Swim in the Seine"

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# Olympic Games’ €1.4bn Clean-Up for Seine Swimming

Organizers aim to reduce 75% of identified bacterial pollution in the River Seine before the open water events begin.

## Angelique Chrisafis in Paris
Fri 24 May 2024 15.30 BST

Pierre Fuzeau, a 66-year-old company director, disregarded a "No swimming" sign and swam in the green water of the Ourcq canal on Paris’s northern edge, enjoying his swim.

Swimming in the River Seine has been prohibited since 1923 due to health risks from unclean water and bacteria from human waste. Despite this, Fuzeau and his open-water swimming group regularly take unauthorized dips.

Fuzeau expressed his enjoyment of swimming in natural surroundings in the city, noting the sense of freedom and immune boost from cold water. He appreciates the camaraderie with fellow swimmers.

## The Effort to Clean Up the Seine

Preparing the River Seine for swimming during the Paris Olympics has been a significant and costly endeavor. The €1.4bn state-supported plan involves improving wastewater management, treatment plants, filtering stations, and storm basins to reduce bacterial contamination.

This initiative is not solely for the Olympics; it also addresses Paris's rising temperatures due to the climate crisis. Post-Olympics, authorities plan to establish local beaches and swimming areas along the Seine and Marne rivers by 2025.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and President Emmanuel Macron plan to swim in the Seine, emphasizing the importance of this initiative for the city's residents.

## Ensuring Clean Water for Olympic Events

Olympic swimming and triathlon events will commence at Pont Alexandre III, with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Regular water testing ensures the river will be clean for athletes.

Authorities pledge to eliminate 75% of identified bacterial pollution by the start of the Games, surpassing the target set.

There is no alternative plan for the Olympic events, except postponement in case of prolonged heavy rain causing untreated water to enter the river.

## Challenges and Progress

The Seine, a relatively small river for a capital city, has faced sanitation challenges due to the large communities along its banks. Rapid urbanization after World War II led to inadequate wastewater infrastructure, causing pollution.

Recent efforts have improved water quality by enhancing wastewater facilities, modernizing sewage systems, and correcting misconnections.

## Positive Impact and Future Plans

Improvements in water quality have benefited the environment, with over 30 species of fish now thriving in the Seine compared to three in 1970.

Residents living on houseboats have seen significant improvements in waste management, thanks to state-subsidized upgrades.

Efforts to clean the Seine have changed Parisians' perception of the river, making it more accessible and enjoyable for recreational activities.

Special boats will remove litter from the river during the Olympic Games, ensuring a clean environment for athletes and spectators alike.

## Conclusion

The clean-up of the River Seine for the Paris Olympics represents a significant milestone in improving water quality and reclaiming urban open water for recreational use.