With less than 100 days remaining until the 2024 Paris Olympics, fears are escalating over the potential impact of pollution on key events, such as the marathon swim, triathlon, and paratriathlon, due to high contamination levels in the Seine River. Despite France’s ambitious efforts to revitalize the iconic waterway, concerns persist about the feasibility of hosting aquatic competitions in a river plagued by bacterial contamination.

Recent tests conducted by Fluidion, a company contracted to monitor water quality, revealed concerning levels of E. coli near the Pont Alexander III bridge, exceeding safe limits for swimming by two-and-a-half times. While summer conditions and low river flow rates may temporarily improve water quality, even minor rainfall events can cause a spike in contamination levels, posing health risks to athletes and spectators alike.

The French government’s investment of 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in upgrading the city’s sewage infrastructure, including the construction of a 13-million-gallon overflow tank, reflects a commitment to combatting pollution and opening the Seine to public swimmers by 2025. However, previous setbacks, such as the cancellation of the test marathon swim in August due to pollution, underscore the challenges ahead.

Despite assurances from Olympic organizers and government officials, concerns linger about the potential health consequences of swimming in contaminated waters. While French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo have pledged to swim in the river to demonstrate its cleanliness, skepticism remains among the public.

In response to mounting pressure, efforts to modernize wastewater treatment plants and improve sewage systems have been underway, signaling progress in addressing long-standing environmental concerns. However, the ancient infrastructure of Paris presents formidable obstacles to achieving comprehensive water quality standards.

As the countdown to the Olympics continues, the spotlight remains on Paris’ ongoing battle against pollution in its historic river, underscoring the imperative of ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes and spectators alike amidst ambitious Olympic preparations.