He Washington Reflecting Pondlocated in front of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial, was once again filled with algae just a few weeks after completing an expensive renovation promoted by the president of USADonald Trump, whose objective was to clean the water, seal leaks and renew the image of one of the most photographed spaces in the American capital.
The work, completed at the beginning of June, included a dark blue liner on the bottom of the pond, described by the Administration as a shade “inspired by the American flag.” However, high temperatures, the natural water used in the system and the historical persistence of algae caused the green color to reappear on the surface.
The project cost around US$14 millionwell above initial estimates of less than US$2 million, according to US media reports. The intervention was part of a broader plan to “beautify” Washington before the 250th anniversary of US Independence.
The water is ON, the Reflecting Pool is reflecting, and DC is looking better than ever.
We are so back. THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/J3xE33XiA5
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 4, 2026
Why did the algae return?
Although the remodeling sought to solve the problem, specialists point out that the pond has conditions that favor the proliferation of algae. The water comes from the Tidal Basin, a natural source that is difficult to treat, and the pond remains exposed to heat, sunlight, and the buildup of organic matter.
In addition, experts cited by American media warned that the dark blue bottom can raise the temperature of the water, which favors the growth of algae. The Administration stated that it was “residual” algae and that it would be eliminated after the renovation, but the green spots spread in the following days.
What was done in the remodeling
The intervention included covering the concrete bottom with dark blue waterproofing material, sealing leaking joints and installing technology to purify water. Ozone nanobubble generators were also incorporated, promoted as a tool to combat algae.
Maintenance services applied chemical treatments and manually removed the algae. In images released by local agencies and media, workers can be seen using hoses, pool-type vacuum cleaners and cleaning equipment to recover the blue tone of the background.
The reappearance of algae revived criticism over the cost of the project. American press reports indicate that the remodeling reached about US$14.2 million and that sought to correct leaks and transform the pond into a cleaner and blue-looking space.
The process also generated debate because some contracts were awarded without public bidding, under the argument of urgency due to the proximity of the national anniversary celebrations.
A historical symbol that is difficult to maintain
The Reflecting Pond is one of the most recognizable places in Washington. It stretches between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, and has been the scene of historic moments, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech in 1963.
Despite the investment and the technology applied, the return of the algae highlights the challenge of keeping a large pond, exposed to the climate and fed by natural water, free of visual pollution. The cleanup continues as tourists and residents watch as the promised blue once again mixed with green.
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