Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 26
Lincoln Memorial Pool Clears After Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment, as 3 Dead Ducks Spur Scrutiny
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 26

Lincoln Memorial Pool Clears After Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment, as 3 Dead Ducks Spur Scrutiny

3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 26

Summary

  • Thursday eyewitness posts said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool looked sparkling again, though some residual algae remained visible.
  • High-concentration hydrogen peroxide was used to fight a recent algae bloom during the Trump administration's renovation, a step now under sharper scrutiny after three dead ducks were found there this week.
  • The White House said the pool was "crystal clear" and reflecting perfectly, but did not answer whether it consulted the legislative branch on maintaining a water body before starting the project.
  • The contrast with the Capitol Reflecting Pool has drawn attention: Congress took control of that pond in 2011 and later completed a $7.3 million renovation, while officials say the two pools differ in size and design.

Insights

With ducks thriving in the Capitol's pool, what went wrong with the Lincoln Memorial's high-tech, multi-million dollar 'fix'?
After a $14M renovation, why is a landmark's new blue paint now being blamed for killing wildlife and fueling algae?