The Trump administration spent millions renovating the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall to make it ‘American flag blue’ in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. However, the water has turned a dark green due to algae growth.

Renovation Controversy

The renovation project, which cost around $10 million, faced controversy and legal pushback. The government is paying more than $13 million through a no-bid contract to a company that has performed work at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

The National Park Service is using ‘high-tech nanobubble ozone technology’ to kill algae, pathogens, and contaminants. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide is being used to treat the pool, which is a milder treatment than chlorine.

Algae Growth

Shallow manmade bodies of water like the Reflecting Pool are prone to algal growth because they are warm, exposed to the sun, and often filled with nutrients. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus can spur algal blooms, which are contained in animal poop and fertilizer.

Despite the water’s noticeable change, the White House touted the Reflecting Pool in a recent post, sharing a picture of the water being blue. The project is part of Trump’s efforts to reshape D.C., which includes restoring fountains and adding a new surface to the World War II memorial fountain.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.