Algae blooms in DC Reflecting Pool after renovation, experts say not surprising
6 reported2 unconfirmed
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., has turned green due to algae blooms shortly after a multi-million dollar renovation. President Trump had the pool’s bottom repainted “American flag blue,” and the pool was refilled earlier this month. Experts say the algae growth is expected in such conditions, citing “New Pond Syndrome.” The algae, identified as Desmodesmus, is not toxic but is growing in excessive amounts due to shallow, stagnant water, strong sunlight, and the recent renovation. The Trump administration is using hydrogen peroxide and nanobubble ozone technology to treat the algae, with crews vacuuming the pool. As of Thursday morning, much of the pool remained bright green, and the cost of the project has grown from an initial $2 million to at least $14 million.
What’s reported
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turned green due to algae blooms after being refilled following a renovation that repainted its bottom “American flag blue.”
Experts, including swimming pool specialist Steve Goodale and aquatic ecology professor Rosalina Stancheva Christova, say the algae growth is expected and not surprising.
The algae belongs to the genus Desmodesmus, is not toxic or harmful, and is common in the region, especially in summer.
The Trump administration is using hydrogen peroxide and “high-tech nanobubble ozone technology” to kill the algae.
The project cost grew from an initial $2 million to at least $14 million, with $1.7 million paid for the nanobubble technology alone.
The pool has had algae issues in the past, including after its 2012 renovation and in 2019 due to a broken water line.
Open questions
Whether the algae problem will be fully resolved and how long it will take.
Whether the renovation addressed underlying pipe and filtration issues, as the article notes it “does not appear to have addressed the pipe problems.”
Key figures
President Trump
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum
Steve Goodale (Canadian swimming pool specialist known as “Swimming Pool Steve”)
Rosalina Stancheva Christova (professor of aquatic ecology at George Mason University)
Loay Hidmi (civil engineer specializing in water treatment, D.C. resident)
Taylor Rogers (White House spokesperson)
Sources: NPR
