The Seine River finally opened in Paris after a 100-year ban!

For the first time in a century, the Seine River has finally been opened for public swimming. Paris has lifted the 100-year ban right ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, allowing visitors to have fun in the newly cleaned waters of this well-known river.

The ban was initially placed in 1923 due to severe pollution, causing safety concerns. The reopening of the Seine is not only a symbolic gesture, but also shows the success of a 1.5 billion dollar cleanup effort, added to years of environmental reforms. Some of these reforms include adding more green space along the river and specific agriculture to prevent runoff. The city is now reclaiming the river as part of its plan to make Paris greener and more livable in the future.

Officials say now that the water meets the EU safety standards for bathing, thanks to a massive infrastructure upgrades. Some of these upgrades include a new underground reservoir to prevent sewage water from entering the river during storms, and better water waste treatment with stricter pollution controls for boats and businesses along the river.

Olympic events, including the triathlon and marathon swimming, also took place in the river, which is the whole reason the cleanup effort started, and will also be a big test of its safety and cleanliness. City leaders hope that the games highlight the city’s environmental progress and will inspire similar efforts in other cities. After the Olympics, three other swimming places are scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, and Parisian citizens will finally be able to swim in the clean parts of the river for the first time since 1923!

Despite the success, some experts say that the water quality may vary after a big storm. Paris plans to monitor the waters closely and close some areas if needed. So what are you going to do, go and take a dip, or play it safe and watch from the comfort of your home?