The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has developed an algal bloom shortly after a $14.8 million renovation, turning the water green. Workers are using hydrogen peroxide and nanobubbler technology to combat the issue, attributed to stagnant water and the pool's dark bottom.
The algal bloom complicates President Trump's vision for the Reflecting Pool's aesthetic and highlights ongoing challenges with maintaining the historic landmark, despite significant renovation investments.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, recently renovated under President Donald Trump's initiative, has developed a significant algal bloom. Despite the more than $14 million renovation, which included painting the pool's bottom a dark "American flag blue," the water has turned a swampy green.
Park service workers and contractors are employing hydrogen peroxide, a milder treatment than chlorine, and nanobubbler technology to manage the algae. This approach supplements the new technology installed during the renovation. The algae's return is attributed to stagnant water in pipes from the renovation process, as well as the pool's dark bottom, which may be increasing water temperature and creating a more favorable environment for growth.
Cochise Wanzer II, president of Pool Service Company, noted that using untreated river water and a dark pool bottom could contribute to such issues. Algae has been a recurring problem at the site since its opening over a century ago, prompting Trump's focus on addressing it as part of his beautification efforts for Washington D.C.
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