Swimmability of the Seine River in Paris

SOURCE www.npr.org
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swims in the Seine River to demonstrate that it is clean enough to host outdoor swimming events at the Paris Olympics. The clean-up project began in the 1990s and was finally completed, with over $1 billion of investment. Despite water quality testing, some Parisians remain skeptical about the river's cleanliness.

Key Points

  • Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swims in the Seine River to prove its cleanliness for Olympics
  • The clean-up project began in the 1990s and received over $1 billion of investment
  • Some Parisians skeptical despite official water quality testing

Pros

  • The Seine River in Paris is now swimmable after years of promises and over $1 billion of investment
  • Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo demonstrated the cleanliness of the river by swimming in it just days before the Olympic deadline
  • The clean-up project began in the 1990s and was completed, with the help of the Olympic Games as an accelerator

Cons

  • Despite official water quality testing, some Parisians remain unconvinced about the cleanliness and safety of the Seine River
  • Mockery and skepticism from some Parisians on social media regarding the cleanliness of the river