Keuka Lake, along with all freshwater lakes, have always had some level of natural "foam" from wave action combined with organic matter that acts as a surfactant or foaming agent. The foaming of surface waters is not a new phenomenon.  It is a natural process that has been going on for a long time in many different parts of the world.  Foam is created when the surface tension of water (attraction of surface molecules to each other) is reduced and the air is mixed in, forming bubbles. When organisms, such as algae, plants, fish, and/or zebra mussels die and decompose they release cellular products (surfactant) into the water, which reduces the surface tension.  When the wind blows, the waves on the lake agitate this surface agent, thus transforming it into sudsy white foam.  Currents and boats also mix air with the organic compounds present in the lake to produce foam.  The foam will frequently form parallel streaks in the open water, caused by wind-induced surface surrents.  It will also collect in large quantities on windward shores, coves, or in eddies. 

Global Aquatic Research LLC (GAR) partners with various lake associations and other organizations around the Finger Lakes.  Their research on Canandaigua Lake has shown foam production is linked to Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs), and that foam can concentrate pollution form the lake. GAR is expanding its foam research to several other lakes, including Keuka, as part of a PFAS-in-foam project in collaboration with the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, Binghamton University, the NYS Water Resources Institute and the NYSDEC.

For more information about GAR and foam occurring on the Finger Lakes please go to their website: https://www.globalaquaticresearch.com/finger-lakes.html. On the website their is a tool to report foam on Keuka Lake.