Paris has unveiled a massive water storage basin to purify the River Seine ahead of Olympic swimming events, as reported by AP News. French authorities launched the basin to address water pollution issues, particularly for marathon swimming and triathlon competitions during the Paris Games.
Sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra commended Paris for offering top-notch facilities for athletes. Last year’s cancellation of swimming test events due to poor water quality highlighted the problem, caused by heavy rains overwhelming the city’s antiquated sewers.
The newly constructed reservoir near Austerlitz train station aims to capture excess rainwater and prevent contaminated wastewater from reaching the Seine. With a capacity equivalent to 20 Olympic swimming pools, it will treat the water before releasing it, ensuring better safety standards.
Prefect Marc Guillaume expressed confidence that water quality will meet competition standards by the start of the Games, marking a significant achievement for the city.
