This is the good news that the organizers of the Paris Olympics have been waiting for several weeks. After months marked by precipitation, the latest samples taken from the Seine indicate that the water quality “improved” between June 24 and July 2.
Results that the regional prefecture and the City of Paris have just published, this Thursday. Interrupted during the winter period, the tests of the quality of the river water resumed on June 1st. Since then, the two communities have put online each week a “Seine weather report” with the analyses of the previous week. Four separate sites are analyzed: Bercy (right bank), Bras Marie, Pont Alexandre III and Bras de Grenelle.
The Seine can be bathed in for several days in a row
Two bacteria that indicate fecal contamination are tested there: Escherichia coli and enterococci. Beyond certain thresholds set by the European Union but also by sports federations, the water is considered unfit for swimming. With, among other things, risks of gastroenteritis or conjunctivitis.
However, the curves show this time that it would have been possible to dive into the river on June 26, 27, 28 and 29 as well as July 1 and 2. At almost all sampling points, the water quality complies with the standards in force. A first positive sign as the Olympic marathon swimming, triathlon and para-triathlon events are soon to be held in the river.
In recent weeks, the bad results had been piling up. The first three bulletins published showed that, with the exception of a few days, it would have been impossible to take a dip. The cause, in particular, was heavy rainfall that could have caused wastewater to overflow into the Seine, but also a high flow rate that contributes to spreading pollution more quickly.
” We are confident “
A bad streak swept away by the return of the sun and heat last week. “These good results are the result of improving weather but especially the effects of the swimming plan,” the regional prefecture said happily. 1.4 billion euros have been invested to improve the quality of the water in the Seine. Several rainwater storage facilities have been built.
It remains to be seen whether the sun will stay out. “We are confident,” insists the regional prefecture. “As soon as the weather is nice and warm, we see that the results improve in a few hours.” “Now, the water quality results are in line with our needs,” says Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor of Paris, in charge of the Olympic Games. “Obviously, the next few days must continue in this direction. But I have no worries.”
2024-07-04 17:27:16
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