Overview
- The National Park Service drained, sealed, painted a dark blue basin and refilled the Reflecting Pool in early June, with federal contract records and reporting placing the project near $14 million.
- Clumps of green algae were spotted days after the pool was refilled and workers were seen removing it; the Interior Department called the growth “residual algae” from dormant supply lines and said nanobubbler and ozone equipment will help control it.
- The project was awarded on an urgency, no‑bid basis to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, prompting scrutiny over cost escalation from initial low estimates and questions about the procurement process.
- Preservationists sued under the National Historic Preservation Act, arguing the new industrial blue coating altered historic character, and a judge allowed work to finish while the litigation proceeds.
- Experts and reports warn the buried 12‑inch circulation pipes were not fully replaced during the quick overhaul and that visible coating patches, bubbles and contractor rework leave open the risk of recurring leaks and algae without further plumbing work.