Key facts
- Algae has reappeared in the reflecting pool.
- The recent repairs cost millions of dollars.
- The algae returned shortly after the repairs were finished.
- A previous renovation in 2012 also faced issues with algae growth.
- The 2012 renovation included an ozone water filtration system.
Algae has reappeared in the reflecting pool shortly after multimillion-dollar repair work was completed, raising questions about the efficacy of the recent fixes. The Interior Department attributed the successful repair to President Donald J. Trump's administration, contrasting it with a "failed and extremely costly attempt by Obama and Biden." The pool underwent a significant restoration in 2012, costing $34 million and including the installation of an ozone water filtration system designed to prevent algae growth. However, officials had to drain the pool and double the ozone level within two months of that renovation due to persistent algae issues. Green Water Solutions declined to comment, while Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which performed lining work this spring, stated their job was done perfectly.