By Humberto Viera
Jun 21, 2024, 2:12 PM EDT
Despite the fact that the latest analyzes revealed that the water of the Seine does not meet quality standards for bathing a month and a half before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, French authorities remain optimistic about the possibility of holding the swimming events. in the river.
The prefect of the Paris region, Marc Guillaume, acknowledged in a press conference reported by EFE that “currently, the quality of the Seine’s water is not up to par” due to the “exceptional” rains of recent days that have exceeded the wastewater treatment capacity.
However, Guillaume expressed confidence that the situation will improve by the end of July or beginning of August, when the open water swimming, triathlon and marathon events will be held on the Seine.
“We are confident, together with the Organization Committee, about the possibility of holding these tests at the end of July or beginning of August,” indicated the prefect.
To achieve that goal, French authorities have invested 1.4 billion euros (about $1.496 million dollars) since 2016 in an ambitious river cleanup plan. This plan includes the construction of new water treatment plants, the installation of waste collection systems and the connection of all Seine boats to the city’s sewer network.
“At some point it will stop raining, we will have sun. And what we can say is that the works carried out in the last four years are fully operational and will allow us to have an exceptional result,” said Guillaume.
It should be noted that the ultimate goal of this plan is to allow bathing in the Seine, something that has been prohibited for almost a century. If the sanitation measures prove successful, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games could mark a milestone in the city’s history by reopening the Seine for the enjoyment of its inhabitants and visitors.
Keep reading:
–Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will bathe in the Seine River before the start of the Olympic Games
–Kitesurfer James Rices died in a diving accident at the age of 18 and a few days after making his debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
–European commissioner warns of “real” jihadist threat in Olympic Games or Euro Cup