Interior Secretary Says Algae in Reflecting Pool Came From Pipes

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the algae that appeared in the Reflecting Pool came from the pipes and has now been removed. Speaking on CNN the day after the U.S. marked its 250th birthday, Burgum described the algae as a short-term issue that occurred during refilling.

Details "Well, the algae is all gone.

I mean, that was a momentary thing. As it was being refilled, there was algae in the pipes, but the new technology, the nanobubblers that have been installed — if you go down there today and look at it, it is completely clean and clear," Burgum said.

He added that the nanobubblers provide a lasting solution for keeping the pool free of algae. Burgum also addressed reports about material peeling from the pool surface. "It keeps being reported that this was paint. It was not paint. This was an industrial liner that was put into the pool for the very first time, multiple layers fixing 2 1/2 miles of expansion," he said.

Trump had said vandals introduced the algae, possibly with fertilizer. Burgum attributed the algae to the pipes instead. He continued to blame vandals for damage to the industrial liner. Burgum rejected the suggestion that the president's motorcade passing over the unfinished pool caused damage.

" When asked about an indictment related to alleged vandalism at the pool, Burgum said former officeholders remain subject to the law.