I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest drama surrounding the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, and folks, it’s a wild ride. The Trump administration spent months trying to turn the iconic memorial sparkling blue, but it seems that plan didn’t quite work out. Now, the Department of Interior is soliciting bids to hire a contractor for the pool’s long-term maintenance after it is restored and repaired for the second time this year. I mean, you can’t make this stuff up – the pool has been plagued by growing algae, green-hued water, a chipping bottom, and allegations of vandalism. It’s like they’re trying to create a real-life swamp in the middle of Washington D.C.
The National Park Service plans to begin draining the Reflecting Pool for repairs, including any damage to the lining, after Independence Day celebrations this weekend. I guess that’s one way to get rid of the algae – just drain the whole thing and start over. The search for a new contractor to undertake daily maintenance and cleanings is underway, and the request for bids lays out the full scope of work needed. It’s a pretty tall order, if you ask me – the contractor will have to monitor and troubleshoot all aspects of water treatment, manually remove debris and animal droppings, and report any dead animals in the vicinity.
The Trump administration has even installed a $1.7 million “ozone nanobubbler” in the Reflecting Pool to try to keep the water clear. Because, you know, that’s exactly what we need – more fancy technology to fix a problem that’s been around for years. The document says the contractor would clean all filters and skimmers, and remove all “debris, pollen and sludge” daily from the pool. And, of course, they’ll have to manually disinfect the pool as needed. I’m no expert, but it seems like they’re throwing a lot of money and technology at a problem that might just need some good old-fashioned elbow grease.
The request for bids notes several issues that could arise with the material at the bottom of the pool – which is “slick and nasty and is a combination of wet leaves, duck and bird droppings.” Okay, that’s just gross. The contractor would have to clean the Reflecting Pool concrete as well as the grates, steel plates, and valves in and around the pool. And, because why not, the coping stone around the pool would be pressure washed monthly. I’m starting to think that the Reflecting Pool is just a lost cause at this point.
The Department of Interior did not respond to CNN’s request for comment, which is no surprise. They’ve previously noted the need to repair and potentially replace thousands of feet of pipes at the Reflecting Pool that have been in disrepair for several years. But, of course, they haven’t responded to multiple questions from CNN about the status of the pipes and the plan for their repair. It’s like they’re just hoping the problem will magically fix itself.
In conclusion, the Reflecting Pool saga is a messy one – literally and figuratively. With a price tag of over $14 million and counting, it’s hard to see how this is going to end well. But hey, at least we can all have a good laugh at the absurdity of it all. And who knows, maybe the next contractor will be the one to finally fix the pool and make it sparkle like new. But until then, I’ll just be over here, sipping my coffee and shaking my head at the whole ordeal.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
