Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta shed light on the occurrence of off-white, brownish suds and orange slime in the Occoquan River, clarifying that these phenomena are natural processes resulting from the breakdown of organic debris and bacterial action on iron, respectively. The mayor emphasized that these occurrences are not man-made pollution but rather regular natural processes visible throughout the year.
On days like today, we will sometimes receive calls about pollution in the Occoquan River after individuals observe something like what you see in the photo below, which I took earlier today. Although not generally considered attractive, the off-white, brownish suds in the river are not man-made pollution, but reflect what is most often a harmless, natural occurrence, the accumulation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Caused by the breakdown of organic debris from plants and animals in the river, DOC reduces the surface tension of the water making it easier for the associated foam to form. Particularly noticeable after storms when there is a greater flow of water and wind, the foam tends to be more prevalent in the fall when the leaves are falling and in the spring with pollen and the loss of plant buds.
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