The National Park Service has dispatched crews to the Reflecting Pool to scrub out algae that turned the historic water a vivid green hue. The effort follows weeks of public criticism over the pool’s deteriorating appearance, which draws millions of tourists and serves as a backdrop for presidential inaugurations. Restoring the pool’s visual integrity remains a priority for the agency, and to preserve the site's historic dignity.

Cleaning crews report that the pool’s signature “American flag blue” coating is now flaking, exposing the underlying concrete. The loss of the iconic colour threatens the aesthetic that sponsors and event planners rely on for televised ceremonies. Contractors estimate additional labor and material costs, pressuring the budget allocated for the broader Capitol Hill renovation program, and may delay other scheduled upgrades.

The dual problems have sparked debate among preservationists about the feasibility of maintaining historic sites with limited federal funding. Private donors, who previously contributed to the pool’s 2013 refurbishment, are being asked to consider new contributions. Until the coating is reapplied, the Reflecting Pool will continue to appear discolored, diminishing its role as a symbol of national ceremony.