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The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, one of the National Mall's most photographed landmarks, will reopen within weeks following an extensive maintenance effort that included flushing a clogged water-piping system and cleaning the surrounding grounds, President Donald Trump said Friday.
Trump shared an account from Greg Wischer of the Interior Department, who said he toured the site and documented the ongoing repairs.
Wischer said the underlying piping system had gone more than a decade without servicing, leaving more than half of its 58 water-supply ports clogged to the point of being nonfunctional.
According to Wischer, the National Park Service began flushing the pool's piping system only after the Fourth of July, and the pool has since been partially refilled as part of that process. "This work is ongoing," he said.
Crews have also pressure-washed the sidewalks surrounding the pool, cleaned the granite lining the basin for a second time, and removed several trees deemed hazardous near the landmark, Wischer said.
Wischer pushed back on images that had circulated showing the pool in poor condition, saying they predated the current restoration work.
He said photographs published by The New York Times were taken after what he described as the largest fireworks display in history, with launch points positioned alongside the pool, left significant debris in the water.
He said more recent photos he took Friday morning show the pool "reflecting and the American Flag Blue color."
The Reflecting Pool stretches between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument and ranks among the most recognizable features of the National Mall, regularly serving as a backdrop for national commemorations, demonstrations and public celebrations.
"Will be opening in a few weeks. Will be a beauty," Wischer said, adding a plea directed at potential vandals: "No vandals please."
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