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Canal Saint-Martin: how is the water quality monitored?

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The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon

On June 17th, as a heatwave settled over the capital, the city decided to open the swimming area of the Saint-Martin canal ahead of schedule. Two categories of Parisians emerged: those who dive headfirst into the water, and those held back by worries about potential skin diseases that might come from it… But how to reassure all these folks?

A few days ago, a video showing garbage collectors pushing the waste from the Music Festival into the Canal Saint-Martin was making the rounds on social media, even prompting a response from the Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire. He wanted to reassure all Parisians by highlighting the non-regulatory nature of this action and especially the measures taken to ensure water quality. So, what are they exactly?


Dozens of precautions

In 2025, when the Seine opened for swimming for the very first time in over 100 years, speculation was rife about the number of rashes and conjunctivitis that would result from it. A year later, as the...swimming areas have more than proven their worth, some still doubt the quality of the water. However, rest assured, the criteria established back then are still in effect.

Indeed, before its opening on June 17th, and during the first few days of access, the quality of the water in the Canal Saint-Martin was tested and retested, to ensure it could welcome hot Parisians without worry. Since then, preliminary...Achievements are made on a weekly basis to ensure everything is worry-free. And as for the waste, contrary to what recent images might suggest, the canal is cleaned every day ! 


What are the risks ?

And so far, good news, all bacterial traces are well below maximum thresholds. The city assures that no Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci — the two germs of concern — will come to bother you. And for good reason, the canal has several advantages over the Seine. The relative clarity of the water, along with the slower current and the lack of tributaries,allow to limit pollution, and eliminate bacteria thanks to UV.

In the Seine though, it's a different story, but don't worry, the water quality will also be tested well before the swimming opening on July 4th, this time by the city, as well as by the regional health agency (ARS), which ensures the management of the quality of swimming areas during their official opening dates. The conclusion? Jump in with confidence, but remember to take a quick shower afterward!