PARIS – Since 2015, Paris has known they would be hosting the swimming portion of the 2024 Olympics. In preparation for this event, they began cleaning the Seine River. The Seine River is a well-known and well-romanticized river in Paris, France. However, due to its heavy traffic and location, it’s been heavily polluted for years resulting in city officials creating regulations against swimming in it.
Paris residents have been demanding that the river be cleaned up for years and with the approaching Olympics, their wish is finally being granted. Cleaning the Seine River cost about $1.5 Billion and included the construction of a giant underground water storage basin, renovation of the sewer infrastructure, and upgrading water waste treatment plants.
Despite all of this work, Parisians and the press still had their doubts about the cleanliness of the river due to experts stating they were unsure if the river would be clean by its due date, just a few days prior. This doubt resulted in Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo taking a swim on Wednesday, July 17.
In addition to Hidalgo jumping in the water, Tony Estanguet, Paris Chief, and Marc Guillaume, a government official, with a couple of swimmers from local swimming organizations all joined in the water fun. They swam for almost 100 meters, with Hidalgo stating, “The Seine is exquisite.”
The river’s improved status will allow for the Olympics to take place in Paris, kicking off this outdoor event on July 26 and ending the century-long ban on swimming in the Seine.
