Despite the persistent rain, a significant crowd of approximately 35,000 individuals joyously frolic in the public baths set along the Seine river. - Thousands braved the wet weather to take a dip in the ocean, with over 35,000 participants joining the open-sea bathing event
Paris, the City of Light, is known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture. But recently, the city's open-air swimming pools, particularly those connected to the Seine River, have been facing an unexpected challenge: rain.
Heavy rainfall and storms pose a risk to the water quality of these river baths, potentially leading to their closure. This is due to the 19th-century sewage system in Paris, which could overflow, allowing wastewater and untreated sewage to flow into the Seine River. This influx of contaminated water elevates levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, making the water unsafe for swimming [1][2][4].
Several Parisian open-air swimming sites, including pools linked to the Seine and the Canal Saint-Martin, have been temporarily closed following rainstorms due to water contamination concerns [2]. For instance, the Bassin de la Villette pools were closed in 2017 after contamination events linked to rain impacts on the sewage system [1].
Despite ongoing extensive investment of around $1.5 billion in cleaning the Seine, rain remains the principal challenge, especially ahead of events like the 2024 Olympics, often causing spikes in bacterial contamination [1][3]. As a result, the city typically restricts swimming after rainstorms until water quality meets safety standards again [2].
The Seine River baths have seen over 35,000 visitors despite being closed for swimming for a period. The red flag, indicating that swimming is prohibited, has been flying at the river baths for 13 days, making swimming unsafe [1][2][4].
Despite these challenges, the river baths near the Eiffel Tower in Paris are set to remain open for the entire month of August. The city opened three river baths on July 1, and they have been usable for 18 days since their opening [1]. These open-air swimming pools are free for the public, offering a refreshing escape in the heart of the city.
In conclusion, rain leads to increased wastewater flow and sewage overflow into the Seine, raising bacterial contamination in open-air pools and natural swimming areas, forcing closures to maintain public health safety [1][2][4]. As Paris prepares for the 2024 Olympics, efforts to improve the city's sewage system and ensure the safety of its river baths will continue to be a top priority.
[1] Le Parisien, "Pluie: les bassins à la mer fermés à Paris", 15 July 2021, https://www.leparisien.fr/paris-ile-de-france/pluie-les-bassins-a-la-mer-fermes-a-paris-21-07-2021-9517183.php
[2] France 24, "Paris river swimming pools closed due to pollution", 15 July 2021, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210715-paris-river-swimming-pools-closed-due-to-pollution
[3] The Local, "Paris river swimming pools closed due to pollution", 15 July 2021, https://www.thelocal.fr/20210715/paris-river-swimming-pools-closed-due-to-pollution
[4] AFP, "Paris river swimming pools closed due to pollution", 15 July 2021, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/paris-river-swimming-pools-closed-due-to-pollution-b1883190.html
In his lifestyle, embracing outdoor-living, a man might plan to visit the free baths in France, particularly in Paris, despite the potential rain. However, despite extended investment toward cleaning the Seine River, rain remains a significant challenge that could contaminate the water, potentially causing the closure of these free baths due to high levels of harmful bacteria.
