Lincoln Memorial Pool still green despite $16M fix

The bill for renovations to the algae-ridden Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool totals roughly $16 million, according to government contract records.

President Donald Trump announced a plan to refurbish the pool in April, saying the landmark had been the subject of complaints due to its cleanliness levels and leaking foundation. The National Park Service told USA TODAY the pool had leaked 16 million gallons a year.

Contractors would be responsible for sandblasting, caulking and resurfacing the pool basin, the president told reporters on May 7, as part of an initiative to beautify Washington before the country's 250th birthday.

Here's a breakdown of how much the Reflecting Pool renovations have cost so far.

Which contractors were hired to perform the work?

Two contractors were hired for the project in the nation's capital: Atlantic Industrial Coatings and Green Water Solutions. Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.2 million, while $1.7 million was given to Green Water Solutions.

The administration hired Atlantic Industrial Coatings to tint the pool "American Flag Blue," or a dark navy. The Washington landmark measures about 2,000 feet in length and 160 feet in width. The National Park Service previously told USA TODAY the color would improve the reflection qualities of the pool over the prior gray concrete, which had collected algae and turned a slimy green.

Before the pool had a concrete bottom, it had a black asphalt basin. At points, the water had been dyed to improve the reflection.

To improve water quality, the government hired Green Water Solutions, a federal contractor that installs water purification systems to reduce toxins, algae and other substances in contaminated water, according to its website.

In an emailed statement on Monday, June 15, the Interior Department told USA TODAY that the technology, "has successfully destroyed the algae bloom that has plagued every pool reopening since 1922."

But on Tuesday, June 16, the green color hadn't faded from the pool, USA TODAY confirmed, and workers were spotted pouring hydrogen peroxide into the water.

Atlantic Industrial Coatings confirmed to USA TOAY that it lined the pool with polyurea, a waterproof sealant, to stop ongoing leaks.

The company said the initial price for lining the pool was $13.1 million, but the NPS added work to the original scope, pushing the price to $14.6 million.

Atlantic Industrial Coatings was paid $6,886,520 on April 3, $1,740,256 on April 13, $6,218,381 on May 8 and $1,086,576 on June 3. Green Water Solutions was paid on April 13.

Pool could remain green through September

Hans Paerl, research professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told USA TODAY on June 15 that the color may remain there until the cooler autumn season. Algae blooms thrive in heated environments, and Washington is notoriously hot and humid in the summer.

In July, the city is expected to experience several days in the upper 80s and 90s.

Paerl cautioned officials against using chemicals to treat the pool, as they could harm animals that drink the water. Ducks are frequently seen wading in the area.

The Interior Department told USA TODAY that hydrogen peroxide is a milder treatment than chlorine. "There are no harmful side effects to marine life or to the environment," the department said.

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected].

Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY