OK, good info. When am I most likely to see natural foam on a waterbody?

Great question.  Foam can form on our water bodies a number of different ways:

  • On a windy day, because foam occurs when a breeze agitates the water to form bubbles. 
  • During the fall when trees drop their leaves and aquatic plants begin to die back and decompose.
  • Throughout the spring as plants lose their buds.
  • When the outdoor temperature rises, because heat accelerates plant decay, which releases the organic substances that contribute to foam.
  • During soil erosion events or from human activities, such as gravel washing.

Show All Answers

1. Let me ask about the foam first. What causes foam to appear on lakes, rivers, and streams?
2. OK, good info. When am I most likely to see natural foam on a waterbody?
3. Well, that makes sense. But is foam harmful?
4. Natural and unnatural foam: got it. How can I tell what kind of foam it is?
5. What should I do if I suspect a waterbody's foam is the result of a chemical release or spill?
6. Wow… I’m learning a lot! Now that I know about foam, what causes surface scum on a lake?
7. But why does the water quality of our lake seem to get worse throughout the summer?