New signage along the perimeter of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is placing the blame on previous administrations for new repairs that needs to be done.

Construction and renovations at the reflecting pool have been off and on since April, with workers addressing problems such as extensive peeling of a new waterproof liner and recurring outbreaks of green algae.

After the Fourth of July, the pool was drained for a second time so workers could once again make repairs for the project that has ballooned in cost.

Water has recently flowed back into the pool, but the Trump administration says it's a part of new work that needs to be done.

The $16 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has drawn renewed controversy after President Donald Trump slammed federal prosecutors' decision to dismiss charges against an Olympian accused of felony vandalism to the pool lining. See the current state of the reflecting pool in photos taken Aug. 3, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Tire marks are visible near a collection of rainwater at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2026. The project to renovate and restore the pool and prevent it from leaking was plagued with troubles from its start in April, including rain, green algae blooms, weather delays and more.

People walk by the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) National Military Monument near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., U.S., Aug. 3, 2026.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is seen through fencing in Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2026.

Tire marks and water are seen in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2026.

Extra fencing lays near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2026.

People visit the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2026.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is seen through fencing in Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2026.

The $16 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has drawn renewed controversy after President Donald Trump slammed federal prosecutors' decision to dismiss charges against an Olympian accused of felony vandalism to the pool lining. See the current state of the reflecting pool in photos taken Aug. 3, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

In signage placed around fencing on the National Mall, the U.S. Department of the Interior explained why water is back in the reflecting pool.

"The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been partially refilled to allow National Park Service staff and contractor's to flush the pool's piping system for the first time in more than a decade," according to the signage shared on social media. "After years of neglect by previous administrations, more than half of the 58 water supply ports were so clogged that they were deemed nonfunctioning. The flushing may temporarily discolor the water as buildup in the pipes is cleaned out."