Burgum declares Reflecting Pool 'algae-free' after $14M upgrade, blames outbreak on 'refill pipes'

WASHINGTON, DC: Weeks after viral images of murky green water sparked criticism of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said that the controversy is over.

Appearing on CNN Sunday, July 5, Burgum declared the iconic landmark "completely clean and clear," insisting the algae that briefly clouded the $14.6 million restoration project was only a temporary issue caused while the basin was being refilled, not a failure of the renovation itself.

Doug Burgum claims algae is 'all gone'

Addressing the backlash over the appearance of algae in the Reflecting Pool shortly after it reopened, Burgum dismissed suggestions that the multimillion-dollar project had gone wrong.

"The algae is all gone," he said during the interview. According to Burgum, the green water appeared because algae remained inside refill pipes while the pool was being filled after construction.

He said the newly installed filtration system, which uses nanobubbler technology to improve water quality, has since cleared the problem completely.

"If you go down there today and look at it, it is completely clean and clear," Burgum said, adding that the technology now provides what he described as a long-term solution for keeping the Reflecting Pool algae-free.

Burgum insisted the renovation has delivered exactly what it was designed to achieve.

Renovation sparked criticism

The Reflecting Pool became the subject of widespread attention after visitors noticed green, muddy-looking water despite the completion of an expensive restoration project.

The Trump administration has repeatedly defended the renovation, arguing the project modernized aging infrastructure while preserving one of Washington's most recognizable landmarks.

Officials also drew attention after repainting the bottom of the basin with what they described as an "American flag blue" coating intended to enhance the pool's appearance.

Burgum said critics have focused too heavily on a temporary setback while overlooking broader improvements made throughout the National Mall.

He pointed to dozens of restored monuments and fountains, along with extensive graffiti removal efforts, arguing that the nation's capital is in better condition than it has been in years.

The Reflecting Pool controversy has also expanded beyond maintenance issues into a criminal investigation.

Trump administration officials have alleged that individuals intentionally damaged parts of the project, accusing vandals of cutting the industrial liner installed beneath the pool and introducing chemicals into the water.

Among those charged is former Olympian David Hearn, who has denied damaging government property and maintains he merely touched the water before being taken into custody.

Asked about Hearn's claims, Burgum declined to discuss the evidence directly but defended the decision to prosecute anyone accused of damaging federal landmarks.