Reflecting Pool renovation faces issues as new liner shows wear and vandalism case proceeds

The newly installed liner in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool appears noticeably grayer than when it was repainted and refilled in early June, according to an Associated Press reporter who observed the site from the Washington Monument. Debris that had been visible after the pool was drained has largely been cleared following work by crews.

The renovation, initially projected to cost $1.5 million and be completed by July 4, has risen to more than $16 million. Ohio-based Green Water Solutions received a $1.7 million contract for a water-purification system, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the concrete floor.

Within days of the project's completion, an algae bloom appeared and sections of the coating began to peel. President Trump has attributed the damage to vandalism, claiming a "350-foot gash" in the liner, though no large cuts were visible from the monument view.

"Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told conservative podcaster Katie Miller, noting that the plan after draining and cleaning the pool is straightforward.

Court records indicate the National Park Service reported a June 9 incident in which a sharp object cut the new liner. Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the pool, saying he examined the peeled sealant after a park worker instructed him to let go of a chunk. His attorneys and critics of the administration argue the prosecution is an overreach and that he is being used to deflect criticism of the renovation work.

At least three additional individuals have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing paint from the pool, all of whom entered not-guilty pleas during initial hearings.