Pollution levels in Seine River allegedly exceed Olympic data: Report

By Seyma Yiğit

The Seine River, which hosted swimming and triathlon events during the Paris Olympics, remains a topic of controversy in France due to pollution concerns, according to a French media report.

Mediapart claimed that the pollution levels in the river are much higher than data reported by Olympic organizers.

Data obtained by the news site from the Eau De Paris laboratory, which is affiliated with the Paris municipality, showed water quality of the Seine was suitable for swimming on two of 10 days since the start of the Games.

Samples taken between July 27 and Aug. 5 allegedly contained E. Coli bacteria at levels higher than what the human body typically tolerates.

Rainy weather since the start of the Games has reportedly contributed to increased pollution in the river.

- Paris mayor defends Seine’s cleanliness amid pollution controversy

The debate about the river's pollution intensified after athletes fell ill following individual races.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, however, defended the cleanliness of the Seine.

"There is no athlete who has fallen ill or withdrawn from a race because of swimming in the Seine. These are false reports," said Hidalgo.

The Belgian team withdrew from the mixed team triathlon finals after Claire Michel contracted E. Coli following her race in the Seine.

Portuguese triathlete Vasco Vilaca was also reported to have developed symptoms consistent with a gastrointestinal infection after his race.

Swimming training sessions in the Seine were canceled five times due to pollution.

The men's triathlon that was scheduled for July 30 was also postponed to July 31 due to pollution concerns.

Since 1923, swimming in the Seine has been banned because of pollution and dangers posed by ship traffic.

The French government has spent €1.4 billion since 2015 to clean the river.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz