Part Of Olympics Shut Down Because Of Polluted Seine Water

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Some Olympic swimming and triathlon training sessions were canceled because of the dangerously polluted water in the River Seine, which runs through Paris. It will be the location of most of the swimming events. Rain can wash waste into the water, usually in heavy downpours.

More City Weather Problems –Las Vegas Heat Levels.

According to Reuters, “A lot is riding on Olympic triathletes being cleared to swim in Paris’ central waterway when the competition kicks off on Tuesday, with France investing 1.4 billion euros ($1.52 billion)in new wastewater infrastructure to cut sewage levels and make the river swimmable for residents as a key legacy of the Games.” The water problem appeared earlier in the week.

Long-Term Water Quality

There has been anxiety for months about the water quality. Paris and the national government officials have jumped in to show the water is safe. When there is not heavy rain, that may be true.

The water quality will be measured each morning before athletes use the river.

The Paris Olympics face two climate threats: water quality and heat. Outdoor events like marathons involve extreme exertion over long periods. Tomorrow’s temperatures are forecast to rise to 90 degrees F and Tuesday’s to 96 degrees F, with higher heat indexes. The Washington Post reports, “Should temperatures climb into the 90s (32 to 37 degrees Celsius), which is most probable in southern France, athletes and spectators would have to take more precautions to reduce the risk of heat illness.” Heat stroke can be deadly. High temperatures have killed people before.