Visitors to Canandaigua Lake this weekend were greeted by an unusual sight—foamy streaks across the water. Known as lake foam, this natural phenomenon forms when organic matter, such as algae and plants, decomposes and mixes with air, reducing the water’s surface tension. Photos of the foam made rounds on social media throughout the day Sunday.
According to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association (CLWA), research has linked this foam to the harmful algae bloom-causing Microcystis cyanobacteria. While foam itself is not always harmful, CLWA warns it can concentrate pollutants, including toxins like microcystins.
To help reduce these occurrences, CLWA recommends limiting nutrient runoff into the lake by reducing fertilizer use and controlling erosion.
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