Reflecting Pool Renovation Sparks Environmental Concerns
A viral photograph of a deceased duck floating in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has raised questions about the landmark’s recent $14 million renovation. The image, with over 620,000 views as of Sunday afternoon on X, highlights issues of water quality, chemical treatments, and alleged vandalism at this historic site.
The exact cause of the duck’s death remains unclear. However, environmental concerns are growing, with warnings that current water conditions could threaten wildlife frequenting the national monument. Newsweek reached out to the White House and the National Park Service (NPS) for comments on Sunday.
Viewer discretion is advised: Some might find this photo unsettling.
Reflecting Pool Controversy
Recently, a broader controversy has emerged over the Reflecting Pool’s condition following its renovation. The multi-million-dollar project included repainting the pool’s basin in a color named “American Flag Blue” to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Yet, days after completion, algae blooms caused the water to turn murky green, and sections of the new coating began peeling.
To address the algae growth, the pool’s maintenance crews utilized chemical treatments, including hydrogen peroxide. This situation has led to criticisms from visitors, environmentalists, and political figures over the renovation’s execution.
The Associated Press documented multiple crews working over the weekend to clean the pool. Various officials have offered explanations for the pool’s issues. Some suggest natural environmental factors like heat and stagnant water are to blame, whereas President Donald Trump, without evidence, claims vandalism.
“Many additional people have been arrested for the disgraceful vandalism of our beautiful Reflecting Pool,” Trump commented on Truth Social. After inspecting the pool on Sunday, he added: “Work will commence immediately to fix the severely vandalized Reflecting Pool. Upon inspection, I thought, WOW, who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE! We will fix it.”
Emma Nicholson, a White House associate producer for CBS News, noted in a Sunday afternoon X post, “14 police reports have been filed” regarding alleged vandalism, referencing an administration official. Newsweek reached out for confirmation.
“As of last night, 5 people were arrested for vandalizing the Reflecting Pool, and another 5 received federal citations,” Nicholson added.
What We Know About the Dead Duck
Images circulating on social media show a dead duck appearing shortly after chemical treatments began to combat algae growth. AP photographs last week showcased a mother duck and eight ducklings swimming.
Despite speculation linking the duck’s death to hydrogen peroxide treatments, no evidence currently supports a direct connection. Experts explain that while hydrogen peroxide is a common water treatment that degrades quickly, high concentrations can endanger wildlife.
Algae’s Impact on the Reflecting Pool
The lack of a definite cause for the duck’s death has intensified online discussions, spurred by photos of dirty water, debris, and apparently distressed wildlife. Some suggest cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, may be responsible. These microscopic organisms thrive in sunlight and stagnant water, and rapid blooms can release harmful toxins.
Experts stress the difficulty in managing water quality in large, open-air monuments. “Fresh water in a stagnant setting will turn green,” said John Wilson Jr., a water systems specialist. Tyler Dailey, an engineer, told Newsweek that reflecting pools designed without typical swimming pool filtration lack sanitization, complicating algae control.