Reflecting Pool refilled as project nears completion

The Reflecting Pool has been refilled after 20 months of construction. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
A construction fence still guards the Reflecting Pool. It is supposed to reopen by the end of the month. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
The Reflecting Pool has been refilled after 20 months of construction. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)
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WASHINGTON – For over a year and a half, the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall has not done any reflecting.

But one of the city’s most famous sights has now been refilled with water as the project gets closer to completion.

A chain-link fence still keeps visitors back. But for those who go up on their tippy toes, the reflecting pool offers a view again.

The area is supposed to fully open to the public by the end of the month.

The project cost around $34 million, according to the Associated Press. The project made the pool shallower, drawing its water from the Tidal Basin instead of from city reserves.

For the first time, the water supply for the pool will be cleaned and recirculated.

The Associated Press reports the renovation also includes a tinted bottom, sidewalks instead of dirt paths and nighttime illumination.

Andrew Mollenbeck contributed to this report. Follow Andrew and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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