Lincoln reflecting pool faces recurring drain – $14 million renovation stalls
The iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is once again dry, a frustrating repeat of a summer’s worth of delays and escalating costs following a recent, heavily criticized $14 million overhaul.
A tale of two renovations
Just months after reopening – and immediately encountering algae blooms – the historic pool is now undergoing a second round of repairs, prompting questions about mismanagement and the project’s initial scope. It’s a stark contrast to the promises made by the Trump administration, who initially touted the project as a patriotic restoration.
Initial problems & trump’s claims
The saga began in March when President Trump announced plans to “fix” the pool, citing “absolutely filthy” conditions. The project, initially estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million, was slated to be completed before the July 4th celebrations. Prior renovations dated back to 2012.
No-bid contracts & controversy
The initial renovation quickly spiraled, involving no-bid contracts awarded to Green Water Solutions and Atlantic Industrial Coatings. CBS News reported Green Water Solutions had previously worked on Trump’s Bedminster golf club, utilizing a “Nano Bubble” filtration system. Atlantic Industrial Coatings secured a $13.1 million contract for polyurea lining – a material intended to prevent future leaks. The speed and lack of competitive bidding raised eyebrows, fueling concerns about transparency and potential waste.
Algae blooms & accusations
Despite the extensive work, the pool reopened in June only to be plagued by persistent algae growth. Trump, predictably, blamed vandals, suggesting the use of a box cutter and fertilizer. Six individuals were arrested in connection with vandalism, including a former U.S. Olympic canoeist. Temporary solutions, like dumping hydrogen peroxide, proved ineffective.
A second drain, a fresh start?
Now, the pool is completely drained once more, with crews erecting black covers around the perimeter. The Department of the Interior has pledged a continued restoration effort, but the repeated setbacks are raising serious questions about the long-term viability of the project and the trust of the American public. As of this writing, no timeline has been officially announced for the resumption of water refilling.