Crews drain Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after algae, paint issues

Two weeks after crews began refilling the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as part of a renovation, algae returned to the water. The National Park Service used nanobubble technology and hydrogen peroxide to combat growth after reactivating the water lines. Officials said the issue was tied to the water lines brought back online after eight weeks.

By Thursday, the blue paint from the renovation began peeling away, with swaths floating on the surface. News outlets documented the peeling, adding a fresh complication to the restoration. Park officials indicated further steps would be taken to stabilize the water and complete the project.