Which, of course, is the opposite of what the US gov. is telling us..................it is from under the ground source......................................................

The Tidal Basin is a man-made inlet in Washington D.C., that is the setting of some of the most impressive memorials in the nation's capital. The basin is particularly popular in early April, when the cherry trees along the banks of the basin are in full bloom.

The basin was created in 1882-1897 to control the water levels of the Potomac and thus prevent the river from flooding. The Tidal Basin is part of Washington D.C.'s West Potomac Park and is a favorite area for tourists who enjoy a stroll around this attractive inlet.

Cherry Trees

Tidal Basin

View towards Jefferson Memorial

One of the most magnificent sights of the Tidal Basin area occurs during the early weeks of April, when spring hits the eastern coast of the United States. That's when D.C.'s famous cherry trees - which line the Tidal Basin - are in bloom. This awesome sight, which prompts a huge festival each year, is the result of some three thousand cherry trees that were a gift to the U.S. from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1912. About one hundred of these original trees still stand.

During the National Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can enjoy wonderful concerts and other cultural performances, hear lectures about the trees, enjoy art exhibitions, take a bike tour of the Tidal Basin area, and much more... all with a bit of a Japanese twist.