The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington has been refilled and is once again reflecting the Washington Monument, following the completion of a $14.2 million restoration project. The work involved applying a dark-blue-tinted waterproof coating to the pool’s concrete base in an effort to address longstanding issues with leaks and algae growth. Water had nearly reached the pool’s edges as of Monday, marking the end of several weeks of repairs.

The project, overseen by the Trump administration, was part of a broader effort to prepare national landmarks for the United States’ 250th anniversary next month. The restoration contract was awarded without a competitive bidding process to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a Virginia company previously engaged at one of President Trump’s golf clubs. Initially, Mr. Trump claimed he personally selected the contractor and stated the project would cost $1.8 million. However, the final cost exceeded $14 million, partly due to a 20 percent profit margin agreed upon despite the National Park Service labeling it as inflated. Mr. Trump later denied direct knowledge of the contractor.

Early attempts to seal the joints between the pool’s concrete slabs were unsuccessful, with at least two failed methods documented. After consulting with the Army Corps of Engineers, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed that a workable solution had been implemented. The completion date was pushed back from an initial target of May 22 to July 4, although the Interior Department has not specified when the pool would be fully filled.

Concerns remain, however, regarding the long-term durability of the repairs. The Reflecting Pool has a history of recurring leaks and algae issues. Observers note that the underlying water supply and filtration pipes beneath the National Mall remain a critical vulnerability. These pipes, which circulate water between the pool and a nearby filtration plant, have leaky sections that have previously limited the pool's ability to maintain clean water.

The Interior Department has indicated plans to address the pipe issues in the future. Until then, questions persist about whether the new waterproofing will withstand seasonal temperature fluctuations and whether algae will return as the sun warms the shallow waters. Interior representatives have characterized recent sightings of algae as residual and part of a flushing process.

This restoration follows previous major overhauls, including a $35 million project during the Obama administration, which also only temporarily mitigated the pool’s chronic problems. The Reflecting Pool, a century-old feature first opened in 1922, remains emblematic of both the National Mall and the challenges of preserving aging national landmarks.