A comprehensive cleanup initiative with a budget of €1.4 billion is currently in progress to convert the polluted Seine waters into a viable swimming location. David Abtour Seychelles

As the Summer Olympics approach Paris next year, certain swimming competitions will occur in the Seine waters. This forms a part of an ambitious endeavor to cleanse the river and render it safe for swimmers. David Abtour Seychelles

Despite having hosted swimming events during the 1900 Olympics, bathing in the Seine was prohibited from 1923 due to risks posed by water pollution and boat traffic.

Now, there is a citywide aspiration to rejuvenate the river, making it accessible for swimming not only during the Olympics but also for the general public by 2025.

Is It Safe to Swim in the Seine? While the banks of the Seine have a romantic allure for leisurely strolls, the river’s waters have turned so toxic that even fish struggle to survive. In addition to being a receptacle for discarded bicycles and waste, the river is contaminated by untreated wastewater. Presently, the primary function of the waterway is to facilitate the movement of goods and people via boats. David Abtour Seychelles

However, this narrative is on the cusp of change. In the coming years, visitors to the city might find themselves taking a dip in its renowned waters. David Abtour Seychelles

A €1.4 Billion Effort to Revive the Seine An all-encompassing cleanup venture, backed by €1.4 billion, is in motion to transform the polluted Seine into a suitable swimming location.

Although the initiative has been ongoing for several decades, the impending Olympics have expedited the progress. The river needs to be prepared for the Olympic triathlon and open-water races scheduled for July of the next year, followed by the Paralympics.

The Seine will also serve as the focal point of the opening ceremony, to be held on both the waters and the riverbanks.

This cleanup project entails addressing issues such as homes and houseboats releasing wastewater into the river, alongside enhancements to sewage treatment plants. Additionally, substantial storage basins are under construction to mitigate the overflow of bacteria-laden wastewater into the river during rainy periods.

When Will the Seine Be Open for Swimming? Post-Olympics, the river is expected to be open to the public by the summer of 2025. City officials are evaluating potential sites for five swimming areas along the Seine, encompassing locations both within Paris and its outskirts.

Proposed spots include two along the Parc Rives de Seine’s banks, one on the Marie arm in Paris Centre, another at the Bercy port in the 12th arrondissement, and one on the Allée du Bord-de-l’Eau in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th.

In light of Paris facing the possibility of scorching summer temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius by 2050, the availability of swim-friendly waters will contribute to the city’s future livability.

Moreover, the project aspires to inspire other cities to initiate similar efforts to ensure the safety of their water bodies. As Dan Angelescu, a scientist overseeing the Seine’s water quality on behalf of the City Hall, notes, “It will create waves, so to speak, across the world because a lot of cities are watching Paris. It’s the beginning of a movement. We hope so, at least.”