Canal Saint-Martin

France River 1 - Excellent

The Saint-Martin Canal in Paris is being assessed for open-water bathing. The site is located within an urban canal system in Paris, featuring two interconnected basins (Villette and Récollets) with locks controlling water flow. Water quality monitoring has been conducted since 2017, measuring bacterial indicators including E. coli and intestinal enterococci. The canal is subject to urban runoff and various potential pollution sources requiring detailed analysis.

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Water

Open-water canal with two main basins (Villette and Récollets). The canal is regulated by locks (écluses 1-4) that control water flow and levels. Water flow rates vary seasonally, with documented discharge data from 2006 to 2016.

Location

Saint-Martin Canal, Paris, France. The bathing site is located within the canal system in central Paris, accessible via the urban canal network.

Water Quality

Bacterial monitoring conducted from 2017 to 2022 measuring E. coli and intestinal enterococci concentrations. Continuous monitoring via Fluidion system implemented at Villette bathing area (2019–2022). Chlorophyll measurements and macrophyte presence documented. Correlations identified between rainfall events and bacterial concentrations.

Risks

Potential pollution sources include combined sewer system discharges, sediment contamination, boat and barge traffic, animal presence, and stormwater runoff. Algae growth (macrophytes) detected in basins. Rainfall-driven bacterial spikes identified as a risk factor.