Paris Olympics Wade in The Seine River Muddy Water Bacterial Contamination Is Feared To Hinder Swimming Events

The Paris Olympic Marathon swimming test event was cancelled last August because of dirty water, while swimming has also been cancelled for two of the four days of Olympic and Paralympic triathlon test events.

Fecal contamination is a big problem. When heavy rain washes garbage and untreated waste water from riverbanks, overflowing drains and sewers into rivers, bacteria thrive in the water.

An open water swimming test event in August was cancelled after heavy rain caused E. coli levels in the water to reach six times the limit set by the International Swimming Federation (FINA).

To that end, France's central and regional governments are investing 1.4 billion euros ($1.627 billion) in five clean water projects.

In order to show the beauty of Paris, the starting point of the men's and women's 10km swimming competition will be set at the Pont Alexandre-III, a well-known artistic landmark in Paris, with the Invalides and the Eiffel Tower as the background. One kilometer down the river also passes other attractions, including the Musee d'Orsay and the Grand Palais.

French swimmer Marc-Antoine Olivier, who won silver at the World Aquatics Championships in Qatar earlier this month, said he was excited about the Seine venue.

"People might be afraid of something in the water, but it's great to be able to swim in a historic place," Oliver said. "Of course, a lot of people will try to create a conversation about our condition in the water, but as long as we can swim, it's OK. They won't risk us swimming and getting someone sick.