The triathlon swimming training session for the Olympic Games scheduled for Sunday was cancelled due to concerns over the water quality of the River Seine after heavy rains affected the pollution levels in the river.
According to a statement by Paris 2024 and World Triathlon, a joint decision was taken to cancel the swimming training session after tests were carried out on Saturday that revealed the water quality at a level that couldn’t allow the event to be held. The reason for this was attributed to the recent heavy rains in Paris. The organisers emphasised the priority of the health of the athletes.
Heavy rainfall can cause untreated sewage to be carried into the river, degrading its quality.
Confidence in Water Quality Improvement
Given the weather forecasts for more sunshine and higher temperatures, the organisers are confident that the water quality will return to acceptable levels before the triathlon competitions commence on July 30.
Tests were conducted in mid-July, after which authorities declared that the river is deemed suitable for swimming. The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and the chief organiser of Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet, had swum in the River Seine on July 17 to demonstrate its safety. Although concerns remained over the water quality and whether it’d be adequate for competitive activities.
What Happens if the Water Quality Fails to Meet the Standards?
The organisers have prepared a contingency plan in case the water quality fails to meet the acceptable standards. Plan B involves delaying the events by a few days or relocating the swimming competition to Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, along the Marne River, in the east of Paris.
Efforts to Improve River Seine’s Water Quality
Over the last decade, French authorities have invested 1 billion euros to prepare the river for swimming.
In May, a new 46,000-cubic-metre storage basin was revealed by the city, meant to store rainwater and wastewater to reduce pollution levels in the River Seine.
