Water began refilling the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Thursday [1] following the completion of several weeks of renovation work [2].

The restoration of the iconic Washington, D.C. landmark ensures the preservation of one of the most photographed sites on the National Mall. The project was part of a broader effort to improve the infrastructure and aesthetics of the surrounding area.

President Donald Trump said that the basin is now being refilled after the maintenance team finished repainting the pool floor blue [1]. The effort involved a comprehensive series of technical repairs to the basin's surface. According to reports, the $1.5 million project included power washing, fumigating, and coating the basin [3].

Work crews spent weeks on the project to ensure the structural integrity of the pool [2]. The process required the pool to be completely drained, which temporarily removed the mirror-like effect of the water against the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial.

While the renovations were marked as complete by Wednesday morning, water was not yet flowing at that time [1]. The process of refilling the massive basin began the following day on Thursday [1].

The repainting and coating were necessary to prevent leaks and maintain the visual clarity of the water. This maintenance cycle is critical for monuments exposed to the elements and high volumes of tourism throughout the year [3].

President Donald Trump said, "Water began refilling the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Thursday" [1]. He also said that the $1.5 million project included the fumigating and coating of the basin [3].

“The $1.5 million project included power washing, fumigating, and coating the basin.”

The completion of this restoration project highlights the ongoing cost and logistical challenges of maintaining federal landmarks in the U.S. capital. By investing in the basin's coating and repainting, the administration aims to extend the lifespan of the pool's infrastructure and avoid more costly structural failures in the future.