The foam that appears along lakeshores is most often the result of the natural die-off of aquatic plants. Plants are made up of organic material, including oils (e.g., corn oil and vegetable oil). When the plants die and decompose, the oils contained in the plant cells are released and float to the surface. Once the oils reach the lake surface, wind and wave action pushes them to the shore. The concentration of the oil changes the physical nature of the water, making foam formation easier. The turbulence and wave action at the beach introduces air into the organically enriched water, which forms the bubbles.

Foam commonly occurs in waters with high organic content such as productive lakes, bog lakes, and in streams that originate from bog lakes, wetlands, or woody areas. Oftentimes, streams that originate from woody areas will have a brown tint in the water. The brown tint is often caused by the presence of tannin, which is a substance that gives wood its brown color. The tannin is released during the decomposition of wood along with other materials that cause foaming when they are introduced in water. It is quite common to find foam in dark-colored streams, especially during late fall and winter, when plant materials are decomposing in the water.

Some foam in water can indicate pollution. When deciding if the foam is natural or caused by pollution, consider the following:

• Wind direction or turbulence: Natural foam occurrences on the beach coincide with onshore winds. Often, windrows of foam can be found along a shoreline and streaks of foam may form on open waters during windy days. Natural occurrences in rivers can be found downstream of a turbulent site.
• Proximity to a potential pollution source: Various industries (including paper production, textiles, and oil), vehicle wash operations, and firefighting activities use and can release materials that generate foam on surface waters.  Sediment discharged to surface water from construction activities can also produce foam.
• Composition: Presence of decomposing plants or organic material in the water.
• Feeling:  Natural foam is usually persistent, light, not slimy to the touch.  However, if you feel it may be due to a pollution event, avoid the material and contact the State of Michigan Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) hotline at 800-292-4706.

Attention:  Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends people and pets lower their exposure by avoiding foam on Michigan surface waters. If you come in contact with foam, rinse it off your skin.  Anyone seeking additional information on exposure to foam can call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.