The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. has long struggled with cleanliness. To address this issue, the Trump administration has employed a $1.7 million ‘ozone nanobubbler’ technology. This innovative system injects 500 million microscopic bubbles into every teaspoon of water, aiming to oxidize and eliminate algae, bacteria, and other chemicals.

How the Nanobubbler Works

The nanobubbler technology, developed by Greenwater Services, a company based in Brookfield, Ohio, has been touted as ‘state of the art’ by the Trump administration. The system works by pulling in municipal water, filtering it, and then injecting ozone into the master water pipe through patented nozzles. This process creates a microsystem that battles bacteria and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria that consume chemicals.

According to Heather Raymond, the water quality director for the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the ozone nanobubbler has shown an effectiveness rate in the 90th percentile. Raymond has tested and researched Greenwater Service’s technology for years and notes that its ability to keep the ozone in the water for an extended period makes it particularly powerful.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its promise, the project has faced several challenges. The temporary equipment initially used had to be removed at the request of the National Park Service, leading to an algae bloom. The permanent unit has since been installed, but questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of the technology and the condition of the pool’s pipes, which are in disrepair. The Interior Department has not provided a timeline for the necessary repairs.

The company behind the technology, Greenwater Services, has also faced scrutiny due to its no-bid contract and the political affiliations of its owner. However, Chas Antinone, the company’s president and chief operating officer, emphasized that their focus is on providing a clean and effective solution for the Reflecting Pool, regardless of political considerations.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.