Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Reopens After Renovation, Algae Cleanup Begins

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turned green with algae within days of reopening after a renovation that cost more than $14 million. Crews from the National Park Service began cleanup operations on June 16 using pumps, vacuum equipment, and cleaning stations along the pool. Workers vacuumed large patches of algae that had spread across the water surface and the newly painted bottom.

The Interior Department stated that additional fixes are planned. Satellite data from the European Sentinel-2 program, analyzed by a University of Virginia researcher, showed chlorophyll-a levels spiking to a two-year high within days of refilling.

Administration officials blame residual material sitting in dormant supply lines during construction. The renovation price rose above the initial $6 million estimate after the National Park Service expanded the project scope to meet a July deadline. Officials said the increase reflected extra staff, materials, and extended work hours.

Additional sidewalk and stone repairs were performed around the pool. Crews poured hydrogen peroxide into the pool to combat the bloom a little over a week after the water was repainted. The National Park Service is applying nanobubble ozone technology along with the hydrogen peroxide treatments.

President Trump posted about hosting a July 4th rally with the renovated pool as the backdrop. Workers were photographed removing algae and debris from the pool on June 15. Tourists continued to visit the site and take photos while crews worked nearby.