The Reflecting Pool on the National Mall was supposed to get a face-lift to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Instead, it’s become a political talking point as delays, persistent green algae and added costs have hindered the project.
President Donald Trump announced a renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in April as a beautification effort that included painting the bottom of the pool “American Flag Blue.” Over the past two months the project has faced pushback as well as environmental and logistical setbacks.
The federal government has spent at least $14 million to refinish the Reflecting Pool, not including federal employee labor costs, such as the National Park Service staff. In April, Trump estimated the cost would be between $1.5 million and $2 million, making the total cost at least seven times greater than anticipated.
The project was also, according to Trump, projected to take one to two weeks. As of Tuesday it had taken more than 60 days.
Despite goals of creating a glistening blue pool, a hot and humid June in Washington, D.C., produced an algae bloom on the surface of the pool shortly after refilling was completed. Another contractor was brought in to neutralize the green growth using nanobubble technology, which did cut back some of the green growth, but may have led to the new blue finish peeling off the bottom of the pool. This cleanup effort cost an additional $1.7 million, bringing the total cost of the project to $16 million.
The Reflecting Pool underwent a restoration in 2012, which repaired leaks and established a new water source. Project costs totaled $34 million, lasted two years and also had an algal bloom upon completion.
A nonprofit sued the Trump administration in May to block the pool refinishing, taking issue with the proposed blue paint color. Historical documents cited in the lawsuit specify the pool to be dark-tiled to “create the illusion of greater depth and more profound reflection” and the suit claims that the resurfacing “materially alters that character-defining feature.”
The president has plans to renovate and restore other fountains across D.C., including those in Lafayette Square across from the White House.
