At the Paris Olympics, concerns about the safety of swimming events in the Seine River have been prominent due to fluctuating bacteria levels.
On Wednesday, triathletes competed in the river, but the upcoming races, including the triathlon mixed relay and marathon swimming events, depend on daily water quality tests. High levels of E. coli and enterococci, which can indicate contamination, are a major concern as they pose health risks such as gastrointestinal infections.
The river’s water quality is impacted by weather conditions, with heavy rain leading to higher bacteria levels. Despite substantial infrastructure improvements in Paris to manage wastewater and rain runoff, organizers may delay or cancel events if water quality fails to meet safety standards.
Testing results from early Wednesday showed acceptable bacteria levels, but with recent rains, ongoing assessments are crucial. Concerns have also been raised about the accuracy of water testing methods, with some experts suggesting that current methods may underestimate the actual risk.
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