Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool remains green after costly fix
Despite a multi-million dollar renovation, visitors react when the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool looks green instead of blue.
The total cost to renovate the algae-filled Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool is about $16 million, according to government contract records.
President Donald Trump announced plans to renovate the pool in April, saying the landmark had been the subject of complaints due to its cleanliness and leaks from its foundation. The National Park Service told USA TODAY the pool was leaking 16 million gallons a year.
As part of efforts to beautify Washington ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the president told reporters on May 7 that a contractor would be responsible for sandblasting, caulking and resurfacing the pool basin.
Below is a breakdown of the costs incurred to date in renovating the reflecting pool.
What contractors were hired to do the work?
Two contractors were hired for the project in the nation’s capital: Atlantic Industrial Coatings and Green Water Solutions. Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.2 million and Green Water Solutions was awarded $1.7 million.
The administration hired Atlantic Industrial Coatings to paint the pool “American flag blue,” a deep navy. The Washington landmark is approximately 2,000 feet long and 160 feet wide. The National Park Service previously told USA TODAY that the color will improve the reflective properties of the pool over the previously gray concrete, which had become slimy green due to algae buildup.
Before the pool had a concrete bottom, there was a black asphalt basin. In places, the water was dyed to improve reflection.
To improve water quality, the government hired federal contractor Green Water Solutions to install a water purification system to reduce toxins, algae and other substances in contaminated water, according to the website.
The Department of the Interior told USA TODAY in an emailed statement Monday, June 15, that the technology “successfully eradicated the algal blooms that have plagued every pool that has reopened since 1922.”
But by Tuesday, June 16, the pool’s green color had not disappeared, and workers were seen pouring hydrogen peroxide into the water, USA TODAY confirmed.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings confirmed to USA TOAY that it is lining the pool with polyurea, a waterproof sealant, to stop any ongoing leaks.
The original price for lining the pool was $13.1 million, but the price was increased to $14.6 million as NPS added work to the original scope, the company said.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings was paid $6,886,520 on April 3, $1,740,256 on April 13, $6,218,381 on May 8, and $1,086,576 on June 3. Green Water Solutions was paid on April 13th.
The pool may remain green until September
Hans Pearl, a research professor of marine and environmental sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told USA TODAY on June 15 that the color could persist into the cooler fall months. Algae thrives in heated environments, and Washington state’s summers are notoriously hot and humid.
In July, the city is expected to experience several days of temperatures in the upper 80s to 90s.
Pearl warned authorities against using chemicals to treat pools as they could harm animals that drink the water. Ducks are often seen walking in this area.
The Department of the Interior told USA TODAY that hydrogen peroxide is a milder treatment than chlorine. “There are no harmful side effects to marine life or the environment,” the ministry said.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
Contributor: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY
