Paris is making the Seine River swimmable again for the 2024 Olympic Games. The city has been working on a clean-up plan for several years, and the Olympics have provided an additional incentive to accelerate the process.
The plan includes measures to reduce bacterial pollution in the Seine, particularly from wastewater. Two new disinfection units will be operational at wastewater treatment. These units will help to improve water quality in the River Seine by reducing bacterial pollution from wastewater. A rainwater storage basin is also being constructed which will help to prevent pollution during periods of heavy rain by holding rainwater and gradually releasing it into the sewage network.
Boat owners are now required to connect to the city’s wastewater network. This will prevent them from discharging wastewater directly into the river.
Existing measures have already shown promising results, with water quality testing meeting standards 91% of the time in areas designated for Olympic events. This progress will allow open water swimming events, para-triathlon, and triathlon events to take place near the Alexandre III bridge.
The clean-up of the River Seine is a major undertaking that is essential for the health of the river and the city. The Olympics have provided a unique opportunity to accelerate the clean-up process, and Paris is well on its way to making the Seine swimmable again.
Additional Details.The cost of the clean-up plan is €1.4 billion.
.The plan includes the construction of a rainwater storage basin to help prevent pollution from wastewater during heavy rain.
.The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games will take place on the River Seine.
.Organizers expect around 600,000 spectators to watch the opening ceremony from the banks of the river.ALSO READ: U.S. Citizens Will Need ETIAS to Travel to Europe by the End of 2023
