USA Today though
But historical records show algae has been a recurring issue in the pool for decades, possibly for much of its existence. After a $34 million renovation in 2012, the water turned into an "icky sea of algae" about a week after the pool was filled, USA TODAY previously reported. Workers were seen skimming the surface of the pool in the end nearest the World War II Memorial.
Algae blooms have plagued "every pool reopening since 1922," according to a statement the Department of the Interior provided to USA TODAY.
A duck is pictured on June 14, 2026, swimming over algae at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has been painted blue at the directive of President Donald Trump, ahead of the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence.
Algae blooms can naturally occur
Anyone who's ever tried to maintain a swimming pool when it's hot and rainy in the summer might be able to empathize with the National Park Service and the president over the algae.
Both warm water and sunlight can cause algae to rapidly multiply, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bloom in the pool at the Lincoln Memorial began to appear by June 11.
Temperatures in the DC area soared to 92 degrees on June 10, for the second time during the month, according to National Weather Service records. By June 12, the temperature reached a high of 100 degrees.
Home
Chat
Login
Register