For the first time since 1923, Parishians and tourists have been allowed to swim in the River River after the city government officially opened three public swimming pools along the riverbank.
This marks the result of a large-scale cleanup campaign to improve water quality, which was strongly promoted when Paris used the River River River as a competition venue for the summer Olympics last year.
The local government said that the three swimming areas in the inner city could receive more than 1,000 people per day until the end of August. The eager crowd quickly enjoyed the water under the summer sunlight, creating a bustling atmosphere in the French capital.
I was really impressed. Unexpectedly, it is possible to swim near the Eiffel Tower" - Victoria Cnop (24 years old, Brazilian living in Paris) shared. Ms. Karine (51 years old) commented: "Clean, warm and clear water. A little moss but that's normal. Everyone should come here".
The reopening of swimming activities comes after many years of efforts to improve the water environment. The city government has invested in connecting tens of thousands of households with drainage systems, upgrading wastewater treatment facilities and building reservoirs for heavy rainwater to prevent wastewater from overflowing into the river during heavy rain.
Although unfavorable weather has disrupted some Olympic training sessions and affected the men's triathlons in the recent Games, the final events still took place as planned, helping to strengthen confidence in water quality.
During the summer, the water quality at the swimming pools will be checked daily. Green or red flags will signal the operating status of the swimming area, similar to the safety system at the beaches.
Its been amazing, said John Drummond, a tourist from Canada. Good for the environment, good for the city and the people here. A very welcome initiative".
In addition to three locations in the inner city of Paris, the government has also deployed 14 other swimming areas outside the city on the two rivers River River River and Marne. Of which, two areas on the Marne River have been in operation since June.
