Experts Propose 10% to 50% Wetland Retrofit for Lincoln Pool as Algae Defies Chemical Fixes
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 27
Experts Propose 10% to 50% Wetland Retrofit for Lincoln Pool as Algae Defies Chemical Fixes
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 27
Summary
Natural-pool designers and algae scientists say the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool needs an ecosystem retrofit — not more chemicals — to stop recurring green blooms.
18-to-30-inch depth, nutrient-rich Tidal Basin water and a dark blue surface have created ideal algae conditions, while chemical treatments kill blooms only to release more nutrients back into the pool.
Biofilters using wetland plants, gravel and microbes, or a smaller gravel bioreactor, could strip out nitrogen and phosphorus; designers estimate the system would take about 10% to 50% of the pool’s area.
At 6.8 million gallons, the pool would be a difficult and costly project — likely in the tens of millions of dollars — but proponents say it could cut chemicals, electricity and maintenance.
The Interior Department declined to say whether it would consider the approach, leaving the proposal as a broader challenge to replace repeated quick fixes with a nature-based redesign.