The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., experienced an unexpected change in appearance this week. After a multi-million-dollar renovation ordered by President Donald Trump, the pool, which he described as having an ‘American Flag Blue’ finish, turned green due to algae growth.
Located between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial near the White House, the pool has been a significant landmark for decades. Historical events and daily activities have often used the pool as a backdrop, with its condition and color changing over time.
Algae Concerns
Recent images show the pool’s surface covered with algae, just days after its refill. This raises questions about the renovation’s impact on conditions favoring algae blooms. Algae issues have affected the site since its inception over a century ago. Trump’s recent efforts aimed to resolve such problems permanently.
Measures Against Algae
On Tuesday, National Park Service employees and contractors utilized chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to combat the algae. Hydrogen peroxide, widely used in water treatment, serves as an oxidizing agent that breaks down algae and other contaminants.
Hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent can break down organic contaminants.
Historical Events at the Reflecting Pool
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has witnessed numerous notable events:
- 1963: March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.
- 1968: Poor People’s Campaign, continuing King’s efforts for economic rights.
- 1989: Mobilize for Women’s Lives Rally, with 350,000 attendees.
- 1993: Call for Reunion during President Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
- 1999: Welcoming the new millennium with fireworks displays.
- 2007: Sunsets and Storms showcased high winds affecting the pool’s appearance.
- 2009: President Barack Obama’s inauguration celebration with diverse talent.
- 2010: Images showed a green pool on a cloudy day.
- 2012: A $30 million refurbishment followed by algae growth.
- 2013: 50 years since MLK’s speech, marked by a commemorative march.
- 2015: Clean reflections of blue skies post-refurbishment.
- 2020: A march for criminal justice reform organized by Al Sharpton.
- 2021: The pool appearing gray-green on 9/11’s 20th anniversary.
The Pool’s Details
The reflecting pool can hold about 6.5 million gallons of water. It is approximately 18 inches deep near the edges and reaches 30 inches in the center.
Trump’s Renovation Efforts
Trump’s renovation aimed to revamp the National Mall before the United States’ 250th anniversary. It included resurfacing the aging pool with a dark blue coating for aesthetic improvement and leak prevention.
Drainage allowed repairs to old infrastructure before crews resurfaced the interior to achieve the desired ‘American flag blue’ finish. A compressed timeline from draining, repainting, and refilling left limited time for system stabilization, making water quality susceptible to rapid changes.