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Ahead of Paris Olympics, outcry grows over water pollution

Amid preparations for the Paris Olympics, concerns continue to mount over water pollution in the iconic River Seine. The city plans to host swimming events in the river, despite ongoing fears regarding water quality. The French capital region is investing €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) to address the issue.

Quick Facts

• The Paris Olympics plan to hold swimming events in the River Seine, despite concerns over water quality.
• The city is investing €1.4 billion to address water pollution in preparation for the games.
• Experts warn of health risks due to increased contamination and the presence of bacteria, particularly after heavy rainfall.

The decision to use the River Seine for swimming events has sparked controversy, with concerns about sewage levels and water contamination. Despite efforts to clean up the river, persistent heavy rainfall causes canals to overflow, leading to an influx of waste water into the river.

Experts have cautioned against swimming in inland waters, particularly after heavy rain, due to the potential for sewer overflows and increased contamination from animal feces. Even with measures to prevent sewage from reaching the river, concerns persist about the safety of the water for swimming.

Olympic organizers hope that favorable weather during the games will mitigate any issues, but there remains a possibility of events being postponed or canceled in the event of heavy rainfall. The presence of E. coli, a bacteria found in human waste, poses a significant challenge to ensuring the safety of the water for the planned swimming events.

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