Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed confidence in the water quality of the River Seine for the upcoming Olympics, stating that she plans to swim in the river to demonstrate its safety, potentially alongside President Emmanuel Macron. The Seine is set to host marathon swimming events and the swimming leg of the Olympic and Paralympic triathlons.
Historically, the Seine has been heavily polluted, rendering it unsuitable for swimming and aquatic life. However, recent efforts have been made to improve its water quality, including the inauguration of a water treatment plant in Champigny-sur-Marne and the construction of a large storage basin to prevent untreated wastewater from entering the river during rainy periods.
Hidalgo announced plans for an event called 'the big dive,' inviting top officials, including President Macron and IOC President Thomas Bach, to swim in the Seine at the end of June or beginning of July. She assured that the water quality would be safe for swimming, with regular testing scheduled to ensure its cleanliness.
Despite concerns raised by environmental groups about water quality, officials are optimistic that the Seine will meet Olympic standards. Routine water testing will commence on June 1, with daily assessments during the Games to determine if events can proceed as planned. Contingency plans are in place to reschedule events or cancel them in the event of high pollution levels.
The cleanup efforts for the Seine have incurred significant costs, amounting to 1.4 billion euros, funded by the state and local authorities. The city aims to open certain areas of the river to the public from 2025 onwards, emphasizing the importance of maintaining water quality for recreational purposes.
Amid preparations for the Olympics, Paris is also gearing up for cultural and sports celebrations across 26 sites in the city during the summer. Security measures are a top priority, with a substantial deployment of police officers expected each day, particularly during the opening ceremony on the Seine.
Mayor Hidalgo emphasized the collective efforts to ensure a successful and safe event, underscoring the commitment to upholding security while fostering a spirit of unity and celebration.
