Algae Issues in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: Recent Renovation and Historical Reflections

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C. has seen a transformation recently, turning green due to algae after a multi-million-dollar refurbishment overseen by President Donald Trump. This renovation promised an ‘American Flag Blue’ color for the pool. The pool, famous for its historical backdrop, extends from the Lincoln Memorial toward the World War II Memorial. It has been a witness to numerous events in the nation’s capital over decades, with its changing colors and conditions recorded in photographs.

What Happened to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?

Recent images depict algae spreading across the pool’s surface within days of its refill, prompting questions on whether the redesign has facilitated conditions favorable to algae growth. The pool has struggled with algae issues since opening more than a century ago. Trump aimed to resolve these persistent challenges in recent months.

Combating Algae with Hydrogen Peroxide

Teams from the National Park Service and contractors have deployed chemicals and ozone nanobubbles into the pool, striving to manage the algae. These actions mimic previous efforts before the commencement of Trump’s renovation. Hydrogen peroxide is often used in water treatment as an oxidizing agent, effective in breaking down algae and other organic contaminants.

Historical Events at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

1963: March on Washington

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom marked a pivotal moment, gathering advocates for the civil and economic rights of Black Americans. The rally provided the backdrop for Martin Luther King Jr’s historic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

1968: Poor People’s Campaign

Five years following his iconic speech, King engaged in efforts to fight for economic and human rights for impoverished Americans. This led to encampments and rallies at the reflecting pool during the Poor People’s Campaign.

1989: Mobilize for Women’s Lives Rally

In November 1989, a significant protest for abortion rights attracted approximately 350,000 participants at the pool, organized by the National Organization for Women.

1993: Call for Reunion

As part of President Bill Clinton’s inauguration festivities in January 1993, Quincy Jones organized a star-studded event, with performers such as Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin.

1999: Welcoming the New Millennium

Fireworks complemented the celebrations at the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument marking the arrival of the year 2000.

2007: Sunsets and Storms

Blustery winds in April 2007 created choppy waters, turning the pool gray, later reflecting sunnier skies in November.

2009: President Barack Obama’s Inauguration Celebration

During Obama’s inaugural festivities, the pool served as an extension of the National Mall, with vast crowds attending diverse performances.

2010: Turning Green

An August 2010 photograph depicts the pool tinted green under cloudy skies.

2012: A Refurbishment and Algae

Following a $30 million refurbishment during Obama’s presidency in 2012, algae quickly returned after refilling the pool.

2013: 50 Years Since MLK Speech

A commemorative march in 2013 followed Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic route, led by civil rights figures such as Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III.

2015: Reflecting Blue Skies

Three years post-refurbishment, the pool appeared pristine, reflecting the Lincoln Memorial against clear blue skies.

2020: Protesters and Voters

Al Sharpton and the National Action Network held a march in 2020, calling for police reform, commemorating the March on Washington’s 57th anniversary.

2021: 20 Years Since 9/11

In 2021, the pool showed a gray-green hue on September 11, marking 20 years since the terrorist attacks on the U.S.

About the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

The pool retains approximately 6.5 million gallons of water. It measures around 18 inches deep at the perimeter and extends up to 30 inches at the center.

During the 2012 refurbishment, a new circulation and filtration system was installed, sourced from the nearby Tidal Basin. Trump criticized this refurbishment, claiming it wasn’t up to standard.

Details of Trump’s Renovation

This renovation, part of a larger initiative to revamp the National Mall before the United States’ 250th anniversary, included resurfacing the pool with a dark blue coating to improve its aesthetics and seal leaks. Earlier this year, the pool was drained for repairs to its aging infrastructure, followed by resurfacing aimed at achieving the ‘American flag blue’ finish. The pool was promptly refilled and reopened within weeks, contributing to a compressed timeline for systems to stabilize, making water quality susceptible to rapid changes.