The water pollution levels in the Seine River have improved, data showed Thursday, three weeks before the Olympic Games in which the emblematic waterway of the French capital will be one of the swimming venues.
Data published by municipal and regional authorities showed that concentrations of enterococci and E. coli bacteria were by below legal thresholds six of the nine days between June 24 and July 2.
“Despite a still high flow rate, The quality of the Seine water improved during the period examinedwith a quality in accordance with the thresholds defined by the European directive in six days,” said the Paris City Hall.
Pollution levels had improved enough for swimming last week, authorities said. Pollution levelsdepend on rainfall and water temperatureamong other factors. With decent weather this week in Paris, water quality is expected to remain good.
Will people be able to swim in the Seine again during the Games?
The French capital has been working on cleaning the Seine so that people can bathe in it again, as happened during the Paris 1900 Olympic GamesBut a sewage problem led to the cancellation of a pre-Olympic swimming event last summer.
The test of triathlon and marathon swimming of the Olympic Games, which will be held in July 26th to August 11thare scheduled at the Seine.
The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgowho is advocating a campaign to clean up the Seine in time for the Games, postponed the dip last month which was planned to take place in the river due to its filth and danger.
Hidalgo then said that it was likely that he would do so. after the French snap electionsthe second round of which is scheduled for Sunday, after the annual celebrations on July 14, Bastille Day.
Source: Ambito
