Next year 's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro could be a stinker ... because of severe pollution in the city 's filthy waterways . Athletes have complained of the stench while practising at the sailing venue in the city , with sailors saying they have had to dodge everything from dead animals and discarded sofas to plastic bags . It is estimated that around 60 % of the city 's sewage is untreated and dumped into the city 's waterways which will flow into venues for sailing , rowing and distance swimming at the Olympics . Polluted : Young boys play in the water of Guanabara Bay , where sailing will take place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games . Trash : Discarded rubbish litters the banks of Rio de Janeiro 's Guanabara Bay . Officials face a race against time to now have it cleaned up for the Olympic Games next year . Rubbish : Tyres , office seats and televisions are amongst just some of the junk that is washed up in the bay . Garbage : Between approximately 80 and 100 tonnes of garbage are washed into the bay every day , including household waste and raw sewage . Guanabara Bay , one of the iconic locations of Rio , is still blighted by sewage , industrial pollution and illegal dumping . Several Olympic sailors have complained it is the dirtiest place they have ever trained or competed in . Nick Thompson , one of Britain 's top sailors , said recently : 'Water quality is my biggest personal concern . If you are sick during the Games , it 's game over . ' Ahead of next year 's Games , he plans to take 'probiotic supplements and fish oil to strengthen the gut ' as he bids to avoid illness . And Stephen Park , British Sailing Team 's manager , said recently : 'The sailors are on various supplements to mitigate against it , but we ca n't do anything about the water quality ' . It has been estimated that between approximately 80 and 100 tonnes of garbage are washed into the bay every day - but the government only manage to remove around 400 tonnes per month . In February , thousands of dead fish were found floating in the waters of the bay . And in December , a drug-resistant 'super bacteria ' normally found in hospitals was also discovered in the water around the bay . In total , 15 cities share the bay 's shoreline and it is estimated that the waste of eight million people is still being untreated as it flows into the water , producing over 18,000 litres of sewage per second . Iconic : Guanabara Bay is one of the most iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro , seen here with Sugarloaf Mountaton in the background . Junk : Dead fish and discarded plastic cups lie next to a burst football on the sands of Guanabara Bay . Waste : Everyday household waste litters the shores of Guanabara Bay in Brazil 's Rio de Janeiro . Clean up : Thousands of dead fish had to be removed from the bay by the city 's council workers last month . Removed : Guanabara Bay is blighted by sewage , industrial pollution and illegal dumping . It has been estimated that fecal matter in the city 's water system can reach more than 200 times that of the limit declared legal in the United States . Olympics organisers have admitted that the quality of water is an ongoing concern , but have insisted it will be safe for the Games . Mario Andrada , Rio 2016 director of communications , said recently : 'There is a huge problem with garbage . ' He said the state of the sailing venue remains a priority 'because the water is not fully clean , but it will be safe for the Olympics ' . Rotting : Rio 2016 organisers have admitted the quality of the water is of ongoing concern and said : 'There is a huge problem with garbage ' Rancid : Dead fish and garbage are seen in the waters of Guanabara Bay . Risk : Sailors will have to navigate the polluted waters , which are littered with garbage and dead animals . Slick : Pollution is a major concern , but officials at the International Olympic Committee are confident the water will be suitable for the Olympic Games . Last week , Nawal El Moutawakel , head of the International Olympic Committee inspection team , said she was confident that that the problem would be resolved ahead of the Opening Ceremony . She said : 'We want every single venue to be ready for the athletes to compete in a secure and safe manner . 'We have been given reassurances that all the venues will meet the level ... so athletes can compete . ' The Olympic Games will begin on August 5 next year , with the Paralympic Games starting on September 7 .
locals complain of lack of venues suitable to host swimming and sailing . lack of funding has resulted in delays of clean - up efforts . Clean up of the the iconic Guanabara Bay is well behind schedule . Just 17 months to go until Opening occurs in Maracana Stadium .