How does lake foam form?

Natural foam near James Chabot Provincial Park (Photo by Wildsight)

Area residents may sometimes notice foaming around the shoreline of Lake Windermere, which can cause concern. However, most foam observed in lakes and streams is a product of nature and not necessarily an indicator of pollution.

The foaming of surface waters is not a new phenomenon. Foam is created when decomposing plants and animals release organic compounds into the water. This causes the surface tension of the water (the attraction of surface molecules to each other) to reduce and air is mixed in, which causes the bubbles.

Many people believe that detergents cause lake foam. However, household detergents quickly lose their sudsing ability. The foam sometimes visible on the shoreline surface of Lake Windermere is the naturally occurring foam. Natural foam has an earthy or fishy aroma and may be off-white, tan, or brown in colour. Detergent foam in contrast will have a noticeable perfume smell, and is usually whiter in colour.

For more information contact the Lake Windermere Project at 341-6898. You can also visit the Project office located in the old District of Invermere office beside the Invermere Community Centre.

The Lake Windermere Project is made possible by generous support from Wildsight, Environment Canada, Columbia Basin Trust, the Real Estate Foundation of B.C., and those community members who have donated through the Lake Windermere Ambassadors program.