The Meridian Hill Cascading Fountain in Washington, D.C., turned a murky brown just months after its $16 million restoration under President Donald Trump’s “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative. The National Park Service attributed the discoloration to sediment released as water flowed through newly restored pipes that had been inactive for years. The agency expects the water to clear within 24-36 hours.
The fountain, part of Malcolm X Park, reopened in May after a yearslong shutdown. The restoration included new pumps, waterproofing, and repairs to historic features like the Joan of Arc statue. The incident follows similar issues at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where a $16.4 million renovation resulted in algae blooms and peeling pool coating. The Interior Department has blamed vandalism for the Reflecting Pool’s problems, though officials previously cited pre-existing algae in the pipes.
Background on the Restoration
The Meridian Hill Park renovation was one of several high-profile beautification projects by the Trump administration. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was recoated in an “American flag blue” color, but algae and peeling lining appeared shortly after its reopening. The National Park Service has begun partially draining the pool to address the issues.
Public and Political Reactions
Social media users, including influencer John Aravosis, compared the fountain’s discoloration to the Reflecting Pool’s problems, calling it “another reflecting pool disaster.” The Interior Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the latest incident.
Ongoing Challenges
Both projects highlight recurring maintenance challenges in D.C.’s historic sites. The National Park Service continues to monitor the fountain’s operations, while the Reflecting Pool’s issues remain under review.