Algae turns reflecting pool green after repainting. Here's why : NPR
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C. has turned green due to an algae bloom, a common occurrence known as "New Pond Syndrome" that happens when a large body of water is refilled after maintenance.
- Experts attribute the algae growth to factors including the pool's shallow, stagnant water, strong sunlight, recent renovations that altered nutrient balances, and the pool's new darker blue bottom that absorbs more heat.
- The Trump administration is addressing the algae problem using hydrogen peroxide treatments and "nanobubble ozone technology," which produces tiny ozone bubbles to neutralize algae without harming the environment.
- Despite ongoing cleaning efforts involving vacuuming and water treatment, the algae remains visible, and experts caution that without addressing filtration and water circulation issues, algae blooms may continue in future summers.
- The recent renovation project, initially estimated at $2 million, expanded to over $14 million, but critics note it did not fully resolve underlying infrastructure problems such as pipe leaks and filtration, which contribute to the recurring algae issues.
