Grenoble cancels Isère river swimming due to water quality

The City of Grenoble has cancelled a planned public swimming event in the Isère river for a second time in two weeks. The cancellation, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 12, follows microbiological analysis showing water quality levels exceeding the sanitary thresholds established by the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

Officials stated that heavy rainfall on September 9 triggered storm overflows managed by Grenoble-Alpes Métropole, which impacted the river's water quality. While the municipality noted it remains ready to organize the event once conditions allow, no new date has been set.

The project, a key initiative of Mayor Laurence Ruffin, has faced significant criticism. The opposition group Réconcilier Grenoble, led by Clément Chappet, has called for the project to be abandoned, arguing that a river is too unpredictable to serve as a reliable and safe cooling solution for the city.