Seine it ain’t so!
“Alarmingly high” levels of E. coli were detected in the famous Paris river — which could derail the triathlon portion of the upcoming Summer Olympics.
Samples collected from the Seine over the last six months showed that the bacterial levels were frequently twice as high as the World Triathlon standards, according to nonprofit Surfrider Foundation Europe.
The heavily anticipated race could be postponed or canceled if pollution levels remain too high by the time the July games roll around.
“We are working hard on it. You know it’s one of the bigger challenges,” Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet said during the SportAccord conference in England on Tuesday.
“When we decided to have this competition in the Seine we knew it will be a big challenge. But with the authorities there is a big program of investment and, when we talk about legacy, this project is fantastic.”
Surfrider completed 14 tests between September 2023 and March 2024 — all of which showed poor water quality.
Eight of the samples showed levels of E. coli — a bacteria commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms and passed through in fecal matter — that were double what the European Bathing Water Directive and International Swimming and Triathlon Federation standards allow.
One day showed that the E. coli levels were nearly four times the permitted amount.
The shocking samples were collected at the Alexandre III Bridge, the starting point for the Olympic and Paralympic triathlon and marathon swimming events.
“As the spotlight shines on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, shadow looms over the quality of the water in the Seine River,” Surfrider said in a statement.
The nonprofit chalked the rampant pollution up to rainfall, sewage system malfunctions and animal waste.
Estanguet suggested that the triathlon could be pushed back toward the end of the 19-day games — the event, which also includes a cycling and running component, is currently scheduled to kick off on July 30, four days after the opening ceremony.
Because it is an outdoor event, there are already plans in place to postpone the race in case of flooding, rains or other natural events that the committee could follow if pollution levels remain too high.
Most strains of E. coli cause only mild symptoms, but some can result in severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, according to Mayo Clinic.
