French officials have unveiled a massive water storage basin near the River Seine in Paris, aimed at enhancing water quality for upcoming Olympic events. The basin, located next to Austerlitz train station, has the capacity to hold the equivalent of 20 Olympic swimming pools of dirty water. This initiative is part of efforts to prevent bacteria-laden wastewater from entering the Seine, ensuring a safer environment for athletes.
Last year, swimming test events had to be canceled due to poor water quality caused by heavy rains overwhelming the city's sewers. The new reservoir will collect excess rainwater, which would have otherwise flowed untreated into the river. The Paris mayor has pledged to swim in the Seine before the Olympics, emphasizing the significance of the basin in maintaining water quality during severe storms.
The basin is one of several projects contributing to the cleaner Seine, including a water treatment plant in Champigny-sur-Marne. The estimated cost of these cleanup efforts amounts to 1.4 billion euros, funded by state and local authorities. The improved water quality has led to the return of various fish species to the river, marking a significant environmental recovery.
During the Olympics, water quality will be monitored daily at 3 a.m. to ensure compliance with safety standards for sporting events. If necessary, competitions may be delayed until water quality is deemed suitable. Paris officials are also planning to open designated bathing sites along the Seine for public use starting next year.
The River Seine will play a central role in the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, featuring over 200 athlete delegations parading on more than 80 boats in central Paris. These developments underscore Paris' commitment to environmental sustainability and providing a world-class setting for the upcoming Olympic Games.
