The Seine River in Paris, famous for its art and songs, has mostly been off-limits to swimmers since 1923 due to its toxic waters. However, a costly and complex cleanup is now bringing the Seine back to life just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The cleanup project, costing $1.5 billion, has been accelerated by the Olympic plans, which require the river to be ready for the opening ceremony. Officials have barred homes upstream of Paris and houseboats from emptying their waste directly into the river, and sewage treatment plants are also being improved. The water quality is already improving, and more kinds of fish are able to survive in the water.
Photo Credit: Jack Anstey