Algae Removed from Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced Sunday that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which had been overrun by algae during a $14.6 million renovation, is now free of the green growth. The National Park Service, which oversees the iconic Washington, D.C., landmark, faced temporary challenges during the pool’s refill process, when murky green water raised concerns about the project’s success. Burgum emphasized that the algae issue was short-lived, attributing it to the dynamic conditions during the restoration work, which included replacing the pool’s concrete base and installing new lighting and water features.

The Reflecting Pool, a central feature of the National Mall, underwent extensive repairs to address decades of erosion and structural damage. The algae bloom, observed as the pool was refilled in recent weeks, sparked public and media attention but did not derail the broader restoration goals. Burgum described the situation as a “momentary” complication, clarifying that the algae had since been fully cleared. The project, which also involved reinforcing the pool’s edges and upgrading infrastructure, aims to preserve the site for future visitors and align it with modern conservation standards.

With the algae resolved, the Reflecting Pool is now open to the public, signaling the completion of a key phase in the National Park Service’s efforts to restore the Lincoln Memorial complex. The $14.6 million investment—funded through the Great American Outdoors Act—highlights the federal commitment to maintaining historic landmarks