Algae bloom returns to Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool after $14 million renovation
A recent renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool aimed at restoring its historic color has been hampered by a resurgence of algae, prompting the Interior Department to deploy a water-treatment system.
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The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, recently refurbished under a $14.2 million contract, has developed a green algae bloom just days after work was completed. The renovation, intended to restore the pool’s historic “American flag blue” hue ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, involved waterproofing and repainting the century-old structure.
The contract, awarded without competitive bidding to Atlantic Industrial Coatings of Virginia, has drawn scrutiny because the firm previously performed work at a presidential golf club. Officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior said a newly installed water-treatment system using “nanobubbler technology” is being used to eliminate the algae.
“The nanobubbler technology has successfully destroyed the algae bloom that has plagued every pool reopening since 1922,” a department spokesperson told the Guardian.
National Park Service staff were observed operating skimmers on Monday to remove the algae and restore the intended color. President Trump, who announced the project on his social-media platform, described the materials used as “highly sophisticated” and capable of lasting a century.
The administration has noted that previous presidents attempted similar beautification projects that were costly and ultimately unsuccessful. The current effort, initially reported at $1.8 million, escalated to more than $14 million.
