National Park Service Tackles Algae Bloom in Newly Renovated Reflecting Pool
Tyunews.com – On Tuesday, the National Park Service intensified its efforts to combat algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which had turned a vibrant blue into a murky green just days after its recent renovation. Tourists and local residents watched as workers addressed the issue, part of an ongoing challenge to restore the iconic landmark’s clarity. The Department of the Interior (DOI) has enlisted advanced methods, including hydrogen peroxide treatments and nanobubble ozone technology, to eliminate the algae bloom that disrupted the completion of President Donald Trump’s revitalization project.
Algae Removal Techniques
According to a DOI representative, the algae growth stemmed from reactivated water supply lines, leaving behind “residual” organisms. Employees were seen Tuesday applying hydrogen peroxide to the pool, a process deemed safe for marine life and the environment. Simultaneously, nanobubble ozone systems were deployed to target algae and other contaminants by releasing micro-sized bubbles that disrupt microbial growth.
“The nanobubble technology is actively killing algae and ensuring the pool remains clear,” stated the DOI spokesperson in a statement to CNN.
Midday Tuesday, rangers manually scraped algae from the pool’s bottom while a tubing system siphoned contaminated water into storm drains. Despite these efforts, the water remained cloudy, as some algae had not yet been fully removed, according to a Park Service officer.
Renovation Controversy
President Trump had previously praised the renovation, claiming it would “restore the great color” to the Reflecting Pool and address its prior state of being “filthy” and “dirty.” However, the project, initially aimed at resurfacing the pool and upgrading its filtration system ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, expanded to nearly $15 million, per federal records. This cost increase and the algae issue have sparked public criticism of the administration’s handling of the initiative.
Historical Context
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, built in the 1920s, has long struggled with algae due to its shallow design and the presence of Cyanobacteria. A prior attempt at improvement occurred in 2012 when former President Barack Obama allocated $35 million for a plumbing system that redirected water from the Tidal Basin for purification. This effort, however, did not fully resolve the issue, leaving the pool vulnerable to recurring blooms.
Industry Involvement
Greenwater Services, an Ohio-based firm specializing in water purification and nanobubble technology, was on-site Tuesday, collecting samples from the pool. The government had previously paid the company $1.7 million in April to install new filtration systems. When asked for comment, Greenwater directed inquiries to the DOI.
Public Reaction
Local observer Redmond Walsh, biking near the pool on Tuesday, noted the algae issue to ABC News. He described the scene as a “visible reminder of the challenges” following the renovation, which had been touted as a significant upgrade to the historic site. Meanwhile, the White House emphasized that the nanobubble technology would “maintain the pool’s pristine condition” under routine maintenance, according to spokeswoman Taylor Rogers.
