Washington DC's Newly Renovated Reflecting Pool Plagued by Algae Bloom

Washington D.C.'s historic Reflecting Pool has quickly developed an extensive algae bloom, turning its water a vivid green just days after the completion of a $14.2 million renovation project. The recent refurbishment, overseen by the Trump administration, aimed to give the pool an "American Flag Blue" hue and included the installation of "nanobubbler" technology intended to combat algae.

Despite these efforts, tourists and locals have observed significant green algae growth since the pool was refilled last week. Department of the Interior officials have stated that the visible algae is "residual" from dormant supply lines and is being removed, with nanobubblers expected to keep the pool clean in the future. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide has been introduced to treat the water.

This rapid re-emergence of algae echoes challenges faced during previous renovations, including a 2012 project that cost $34 million and also saw an immediate return of algae. Critics suggest that the darker blue paint chosen for the recent renovation might inadvertently contribute to algae growth by absorbing more sunlight and increasing water temperature.