Seine water quality improves ahead of Paris Olympics, new tests show

With the Paris Olympics just three weeks away, recent test results show promising improvements in the Seine's water quality. The river is set to host several outdoor swimming events during the Games.

According to the Paris mayor's office, E.Coli bacteria levels at a key Olympic swimming site in central Paris have remained within acceptable limits for four consecutive days.

Officials attribute this positive trend to recent warm, sunny weather and ongoing efforts to enhance the river's water quality.

This news comes as a relief after last week's concerning reports, which showed E.Coli levels – an indicator of fecal contamination – exceeding acceptable limits daily at the Alexandre III bridge, the starting point for swimming events.

The Seine is scheduled to host the triathlon's swimming leg on 30-31 July and 5 August, as well as open-water swimming events on 8-9 August. Enterococci bacteria readings, another crucial water quality indicator, have also shown significant improvement.

Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera expressed optimism about the situation, noting the "clear improvement" and suggesting that current readings bode well for the smooth proceeding of competitions.

However, major storms can still overwhelm the city's aging wastewater network, resulting in effluent discharges into the Seine.

(With newswires)

Read more on RFI English

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