Lincoln Memorial water mirror algae outbreak after $14 million renovation

A $14.2 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool on the National Mall installed a dark waterproof coating and a nanobubbler water‑treatment system. Within days, algae proliferated, turning the water a green hue. National Park Service staff reported the growth and said crews were now vacuuming the dead algae, which are expected to disappear soon. The work was performed by Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which sealed the joints, and Greenwater Services, which installed the upgraded purification system.

Comedy host Jimmy Kimmel referenced the incident on his show, mocking the project’s cost and its link to former President Donald Trump. Kimmel joked that the green water resembled the Mexican flag and compared the situation to Trump’s campaign promises, highlighting the quick re‑appearance of algae after the expensive makeover.