Lincoln Reflecting Pool to be drained again after $14M rebuild
What's new: Experts told PBS the algae bloom is common in stagnant summer water, undercutting sabotage claims tied to the repairs.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington is set to be drained again just weeks after reopening from a renovation ordered by President Donald Trump. The project, initially described as a roughly two-week job costing up to $2 million, has now cost $14 million and will require more repairs after blue coating peeled from the bottom and algae spread in the water. Trump has blamed vandalism, alleging a 300-foot slit was cut into the pool lining and fertilizer was dumped into the water. PBS reported that pool and environmental science experts said the algae was a normal bloom fueled by warm weather, sunlight, stagnant water and nutrients in the refill water.