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FOAM:  A naturally occurring phenomenon

A clump of white foam tinged brown on top of a river
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

FOAM:  A naturally occurring phenomenon

EGLE often receives complaints that “someone discharged laundry detergents into the lake” or that there are suds on the river or stream. This phenomenon is often the result of natural processes, not environmental pollution.  Foam can be formed when the physical characteristics of the water are altered by the presence of organic materials in the water.

 

 

naturally occurring white foam along lakeshore
brownish naturally occurring foam in rocky stream
foam from pollution swirling and floating on a stream

View/download a pdf of this brochure.

For more information, including tips to help reduce the amount of nutrients that can enter a lake from your home activities, contact any EGLE district office or call the State of Michigan’s Environmental Assistance Center at EGLE-Assist@Michigan.gov or 800-662-9278.

If you find pollution and believe it is human-induced, please report it to the State of Michigan’s Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) hotline at (800) 292-4706.