A European non-profit organization is warning the famous Seine may be too polluted to host Olympic swimming events.
The Surfrider Foundation Europe tested the Paris river over the past six months and found concerning levels of bacteria in the sections where the triathlon, marathon swimming, and paratriathlon events will be held, according to the organization. In fact, out of the group’s bimonthly tests, only one sample was deemed “even satisfactory.”
“It is therefore clear that the athletes who will be taking part in the Olympic and Paralympic events planned for the Seine will be swimming in polluted water and taking significant risks to their health,” the Surfrider Foundation Europe wrote in a statement.
Following the group’s results, the president of the Paris Organizing Committee admitted to NBC News triathlon swimming could be postponed or even canceled if pollution levels remain too high.
The decision to open the Seine to the Olympic Games (and later to regular bathers) was considered to be monumental, allowing swimming in the famous river for the first time in more than 100 years. Following the games, Paris plans to open three official bathing sites to both visitors and residents in 2025.
Since the announcement last year, Paris has been working to improve the water quality, including by installing a pair of disinfection units.