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Algae Returns to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool After Trump Renovation
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., reopened on a bright spring day after a $14 million renovation that sealed its concrete bottom with a blue coating described as “American flag blue.” The pool, which holds 6.7 million gallons of water and measures 2,030 by 167 feet, is the largest of the many reflecting pools on the National Mall. It is located east of the Lincoln Memorial, between the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument, and is lined by walking paths and shade trees.
Despite the extensive work, the pool’s surface turned green again within days. The National Park Service (NPS) said the algae had returned from dormant spores that were trapped in the pool’s piping. “Versus previous administrations, the National Park Service is actually maintaining the beautifully completed Reflecting Pool,” a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior told The Post. “The nanobubbler technology has successfully destroyed the algae bloom that has plagued every pool reopening since 1922, most infamously, the Obama pool reopening that resulted in massive algae clumps taking over the pool’s surface.” The spokesperson added that the nanobubbler system, which was installed as part of the $1.7 million upgrade, is now “vacuuming up the dead algae as we speak.”
The nanobubbler system disperses tiny oxygen bubbles that cut off the algae’s food supply. The system was designed to address a problem that has plagued the pool since its early 1920s construction. The pool has historically leaked an estimated 16 million gallons of water each year, a problem that the Obama administration addressed with a $34 million overhaul of the piping and filtration system. The Trump administration’s work focused on sealing gaps in the concrete bottom and adding the nanobubbler. Officials say the pool will receive further pipe repairs in the fall.
The pool’s 6.7 million‑gallon volume is filled from the Tidal Basin. The water is circulated through a filtration system that is now augmented by the ozone nanobubble technology. The system is intended to keep the water clear and reduce the need for chemical treatments. The NPS said the algae that returned is “dead” and is being removed by vacuuming. The pool is also a popular backdrop for events, including the March on Washington and the Commitment March, and it attracts roughly 24 million visitors to the National Mall each year.
The return of algae has drawn criticism from some visitors and environmental groups who say the pool’s water quality remains a concern. The NPS spokesperson said that the algae is a normal part of the pool’s startup process and that the nanobubbler will maintain the pool and keep it algae‑free. However, observers note that the green algae remained entrenched over the weekend despite cleanup efforts.
The situation illustrates the ongoing challenge of maintaining historic public water features in a climate that can favor algae growth. The National Park Service has pledged to monitor the pool’s water quality closely and to complete the planned pipe repairs. The outcome of these efforts will determine whether the pool can remain clear and safe for the millions of visitors who come to see its reflection of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
Despite the extensive work, the pool’s surface turned green again within days. The National Park Service (NPS) said the algae had returned from dormant spores that were trapped in the pool’s piping. “Versus previous administrations, the National Park Service is actually maintaining the beautifully completed Reflecting Pool,” a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior told The Post. “The nanobubbler technology has successfully destroyed the algae bloom that has plagued every pool reopening since 1922, most infamously, the Obama pool reopening that resulted in massive algae clumps taking over the pool’s surface.” The spokesperson added that the nanobubbler system, which was installed as part of the $1.7 million upgrade, is now “vacuuming up the dead algae as we speak.”
The nanobubbler system disperses tiny oxygen bubbles that cut off the algae’s food supply. The system was designed to address a problem that has plagued the pool since its early 1920s construction. The pool has historically leaked an estimated 16 million gallons of water each year, a problem that the Obama administration addressed with a $34 million overhaul of the piping and filtration system. The Trump administration’s work focused on sealing gaps in the concrete bottom and adding the nanobubbler. Officials say the pool will receive further pipe repairs in the fall.
The pool’s 6.7 million‑gallon volume is filled from the Tidal Basin. The water is circulated through a filtration system that is now augmented by the ozone nanobubble technology. The system is intended to keep the water clear and reduce the need for chemical treatments. The NPS said the algae that returned is “dead” and is being removed by vacuuming. The pool is also a popular backdrop for events, including the March on Washington and the Commitment March, and it attracts roughly 24 million visitors to the National Mall each year.
The return of algae has drawn criticism from some visitors and environmental groups who say the pool’s water quality remains a concern. The NPS spokesperson said that the algae is a normal part of the pool’s startup process and that the nanobubbler will maintain the pool and keep it algae‑free. However, observers note that the green algae remained entrenched over the weekend despite cleanup efforts.
The situation illustrates the ongoing challenge of maintaining historic public water features in a climate that can favor algae growth. The National Park Service has pledged to monitor the pool’s water quality closely and to complete the planned pipe repairs. The outcome of these efforts will determine whether the pool can remain clear and safe for the millions of visitors who come to see its reflection of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
