Swimming in the Seine: A Controversial Legacy of the Paris Olympics
Swimming in the Seine River was banned in 1923 due to river traffic and pollution. While the decree remains in effect, an exception was made for the 2024 Olympic Games. Athletes were able to compete in the Parisian river, whose water quality is now monitored daily.
The City of Paris has invested heavily in cleaning the Seine for the Olympics, spending over 1.4 billion euros on infrastructure and water treatment. The goal is to open permanent swimming areas to the public in 2025.
Pollution of the Seine primarily originates from wastewater. To assess water quality, sanitation companies monitor the presence of harmful bacteria. The river must meet European standards to be deemed suitable for bathing.
Several projects have been undertaken to clean the river, including the construction of a massive wastewater storage basin with a capacity of 50,000 m³. This basin helps prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Seine during heavy rainfall.
Despite these measures, concerns persist over the water quality of the Seine. During the Olympics, several triathletes fell ill, leading to speculation about the river’s safety. While officials deny a direct link to the water, analyses remain inconclusive.
The future of swimming in the Seine remains uncertain. While the Olympics have raised awareness of the issue, it remains to be seen whether the river will be safe for public swimming when the designated areas open in 2025.