Century-long swimming prohibition in the River Seine comes to an end following historic clean-up efforts.
Paris, the city of lights, has made a significant stride in environmental conservation as the River Seine reopened for swimming on July 5, ending a century-long ban due to pollution.
The historic reopening was part of a €1.4 billion (US$1.6 billion) cleanup operation, financed by the French government along with local authorities, to make the river swimmable in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Record-breaking temperatures have been recorded in southwest France during a severe heatwave, making the newly-opened swimming sites along the riverbank a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Three designated swimming sites are now open: near the Eiffel Tower, close to Notre Dame Cathedral, and in eastern Paris.
Advanced technology now allows for rapid bacteria testing, enabling quicker decisions about opening or closing swimming areas. Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor for Sport and the 2024 Olympic/Paralympic Games, stated that over 40,000 people have used the swimming sites since their July 5 opening.
However, concerns about water quality lingered, with social media comments referencing reports that some Olympians fell ill after competing in the Seine during the 2024 Games. The city's official figures released in August show that reduced speed limits have made Paris quieter and decreased the number of road accidents.
Paris's outdated combined sewer system allowed untreated wastewater to flow directly into the river during heavy rainfall. Under Hidalgo's administration, Paris has implemented several anti-car policies, including hiking parking fees for SUVs, closing roads in front of schools, and expanding sidewalks. The city has also converted the Seine riverbanks from busy highways to pedestrian-friendly areas and planted some 130,000 trees.
The ban was due to severe contamination in the river's waters, caused by E.coli, enterococci bacteria, industrial waste, sewage overflow, and urban runoff. New regulations prohibit cruise ships from dumping waste directly into the river. The Seine's biodiversity has improved, with fish species increasing from three to 32.
By the 1970s, about 60% of the city's sewage was being dumped untreated into the river. Harmful air pollutants have decreased by 50-55% in Paris since 2005. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and other members of the Olympic committee jumped in the Seine last July to prove its safety.
Despite nearly two weeks of closures due to rain-related pollution since the swimming sites' opening, the Seine has shown promising signs of recovery. The extensive cleanup project, a testament to Paris's commitment to environmental sustainability, continues to make progress towards its goal of a cleaner, healthier river for all to enjoy.
