PARIS (AP) — Days before they're set to plunge into the Seine River during the Paris Olympics , triathletes held out hope Saturday that the famous waterway's bacteria levels would be safe enough for swimming . The swimming portion of the triathlon and the marathon swimming event are both expected to be held in the river that flows through the heart of Paris. The men's triathlon is set for Tuesday, while the women are scheduled to compete Wednesday and a mixed relay event is to take place Aug.
5. Water quality in the French capital is closely linked to the weather, and heavy rain during the Olympic opening ceremony Friday resurfaced concerns about the river’s safety for swimming. Showers persisted Saturday, but the forecast called for clear skies starting Sunday.
The city has taken extraordinary measures and spent 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) to ensure that the long-polluted Seine is safe for swimmers, including building an enormous reservoir to capture excess rainwater and keep wastewater from flowing into the river.
But bacteria levels still fluctuate. Daily water quality tests measure levels of fecal bacteria known as E. coli.
Tests by monitoring group Eau de Paris showed levels were acceptable as of Tuesday, the most current data posted online, but that was before the most recent rains. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo made a show of taking a swim in the river on July 17 to ease fears. But test results released Friday showed that the levels were actually above the safe lim.