The indictment accuses David Hearn, 67, of "maliciously" breaking or destroying lining material on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19.
District of Columbia US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Hearn ripped up recently installed sealant on the pool in "a deliberate act" that caused more than $US1000 in damage.
She accused him of "forcefully and violently" pulling up the bottom liner "with both hands" and acting belligerently toward an employee who told him to stop.
"This is a case with tremendous evidence," she said, adding authorities have made about six other misdemeanour arrests.
Lawyers for Hearn denied the allegations following his arrest, accusing President Donald Trump's administration of treating ordinary conduct as criminal.
The incident happened days after crews finished a Trump-ordered project to lay down new liner that Trump called "American flag blue" in time for celebrations honouring the 250th anniversary of US independence on July 4.
Despite undergoing a recent $US14 million renovation project, the Reflecting Pool has encountered problems with algae and large pieces of the new sealant have been seen peeling from the bottom.
Five people have been arrested for vandalism in connection with the Reflecting Pool, according to US Park Police, and five others have been issued federal citations.
An official at the National Park Service had previously said the pool's lining had been cut with a sharp object.
with AP
