A $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is drawing renewed scrutiny after a series of very visible maintenance problems, including an algae bloom that turned the water green, chemical treatments to stabilize conditions and the newly applied “American flag blue” paint that has begun peeling from the surface just days after completion.
The pool, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the National Mall, briefly turned green earlier this month after an algae outbreak officials linked to disruptions in its filtration system during ongoing renovation work. In response, crews reportedly used hydrogen peroxide treatments to address water quality issues, restoring just the outer rim of the pool to its blue coloration while leaving other areas still very green in appearance.
