Filthy Seine River Threatens Olympic Events

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According to scientists at Georgia Tech, water samples from the Seine River continue to show high levels of potentially toxic E. coli. This may affect whether many water sports will be part of the Paris Olympics.

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According to the Georgia Tech report, “Paris, like most large cities, has a lot of concrete and not much dirt and grass for water to soak into,” Graham said. “Pollution builds up, and rainwater sweeps it into the sewer system. When the city gets too much rain, like it did in May, treatment centers can’t hold all the water and much of it flows into the river.”

Whether the water will be clean enough for swimmers is still being determined. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine wearing a wetsuit and goggles to influence the Olympic officials and athletes. Of course, the Olympic participants do not wear wet suits. She said the water was “exquisite.”

Will Swimmers Take The Risk?

Media reports have not helped the city’s chances to convince athletes. According to CNN, “Official testing by the city of Paris shows E. Coli levels at Alexandre III Bridge, where the triathlon events are planned to start later this month, have been above acceptable levels on the majority of days – 22 out of 30 – between June 3 and July 2, potentially exposing athletes to serious health risks.”

Ultimately, city officials and Olympic committees will not decide if the events go forward. The athletes will. While an exact dollar figure will never be assigned to canceled events, it won’t be cheap.