Rain blamed as the Seine closes to swimmers (again)

EnvironmentSports
8 Jul 2025 • 2:56 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • The Seine River in Paris reopened for public swimming on Saturday for the first time in a century, after a ban was imposed in 1923 due to pollution.
  • However, designated swimming areas in the river were closed again on Sunday due to heavy rainfall, which raised concerns about water quality.
  • Paris City Hall confirmed that the river's water quality, including levels of faecal bacteria like E.coli, will be assessed daily.
  • Officials stated that swimming sites are likely to close if it rains, as wet weather compromises the water quality.
  • The historic reopening was facilitated by a 1.4 billion euro cleanup project, undertaken for the Paris Olympics, which significantly improved the river's water quality.

IN FULL