View of the quays of the Seine river in Paris. GETTY IMAGES

Just days before the Olympics, Paris is facing an unexpected issue: a group of citizens has threatened to relieve themselves in the Seine. This is a form of protest against the poor quality of the river's water, which will host events such as the marathon swimming and triathlon stages.

This movement has gained traction online under the hashtag #JeChieDansLaSeine, which translates to 'I poop in the Seine'. Those involved have achieved a double consequence with this creative protest: sparking public interest and putting the organisers of the Olympic Games on alert, adding extra pressure.

The threat has drawn international attention, especially at a time when the authorities have invested a record sum of £1,180,000 (€1,400,000) to clean the river, which has historically been highly polluted. For 50 years, the Seine received untreated sewage, leading to a ban on swimming in it since 1923. Despite recent efforts to improve the water quality, the added threat of contamination by some citizens is a major concern.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swims in the Seine River. GETTY IMAGES
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swims in the Seine River. GETTY IMAGES

Although French politicians and the Mayor of Paris have tried to reassure the public, even making a symbolic gesture by taking a swim in the Seine, doubts about the water quality persist. E. coli tests carried out in June showed worrying levels during the week of the 22nd to the 30th. In fact, although the latest analyses conclude that levels have improved in July, experts warn that germs may still pose a problem for the athletes.

Bill Sullivan, Ph.D., a professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine who studies infectious diseases, explained, "If the weather stays sunny and dry, there’s a chance the faecal bacteria levels will fall into the safe range. But in the Olympics between humans and germs, the germs usually win." He added that the detection of E. coli in the river means there is 'literal poop in the water either from human sewage or soil erosion from farms that may have infected animals.

For her part, Olympic open water champion Ana Marcela Cunha has also expressed her concerns, saying that the Seine “is not made for swimming”. With the events set to begin soon, the key will be to ensure that the river is clean enough to guarantee the safety and well-being of the athletes.

As preparations continue, the threat of contamination from those citizens joining the hashtag #JeChieDansLaSeine adds an additional layer of complexity to the efforts of local authorities, who are striving to ensure that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are a resounding success.