Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Turns Green Again After $14.8 Million Renovation
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has reportedly turned green again due to algae growth, mere days after the completion of a $14.8 million renovation project by the Trump administration. The project aimed to beautify the landmark and address long-standing issues like leaks and algae, featuring a new "American Flag blue" surface. Critics had raised concerns about the renovation's cost, expedited processes, and its failure to address core structural problems. Despite the administration's claims of a permanent fix, the pool, which was resurfaced on June 3 and refilled on June 4, reverted to a bright green hue by June 16, visible from the sky. Officials attribute the current green color to "residual algae from the supply lines" and describe it as part of a "normal startup process" for the pool.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has reportedly reverted to a green color due to algae, only days after undergoing a $14.8 million renovation. The project, led by the Trump administration, aimed to beautify the iconic landmark and address maintenance concerns, including leaks and persistent algae growth.
Earlier this month, a new "American Flag blue" surface was unveiled. The resurfacing work was completed on June 3, and the pool began refilling on June 4. However, within days of the project's completion, the pool reportedly became a bright chartreuse green, with satellite images taken before the renovation showing a similar green hue and photos from June 16 confirming its return to a green color.
Officials from the administration, including interior communications director Kate Martin, stated on June 10 that the Trump administration had "fixed the Reflecting Pool for good." Martin attributed the current green appearance to "residual algae from the supply lines" and characterized it as part of the pool's "normal startup process." Workers are reportedly continuing efforts to combat the algae, employing methods such as skimming, vacuuming the pool floor, using ozone nanobubbles, and introducing hydrogen peroxide.
The broad, shallow pool has historically been susceptible to algal blooms, a problem exacerbated by summer heat and the algae-prone water from the Tidal Basin, according to reports. Structural issues, including cracks and leaks, have plagued the pool since its construction on unstable mudflats a century ago. Critics argued that the recent resurfacing did not address these underlying structural flaws but instead coated the concrete slabs with a blue-tinted sealant.
The renovation project itself faced scrutiny for several reasons. The administration awarded no-bid contracts, arguing that a full procurement process would delay the pool's reopening. The reported cost also escalated from an initial estimate of $1.8 million to $14.8 million in federal records. The Cultural Landscape Foundation legally challenged the renovation, alleging that it altered a historic site without completing required preservation reviews. Aesthetic criticisms were also raised, with some nonprofit leaders suggesting the renovation undermined the landmark's historical significance.
According to Business Insider, the administration's efforts to combat algae appear to be an ongoing challenge.
