White Foam Still A Mystery

A mysterious white foam substance appeared on some Santa Fe streets last Thursday following a rainstorm, but officials aren't sure what it was. While city Environmental Compliance Specialist Alex Puglisi and other city staff have not determined the cause, they did test river water last week, confirms a city spokesperson. The analysis did not find anything unusual, though reportedly the foamy substance had mostly dissipated by the time of the tests. The city isn't using one of its two reservoirs because of repairs, but its lower reservoir is now almost full. That means water flow downriver has increased, which might have contributed to creating the froth.  The increased flow could be producing an increase in dissolved organic carbons, says city River and Watershed Coordinator Brian Drypolcher.

Residents are encouraged to note any changes or unusual properties related to the foam, such as fragrance or texture. Any signs of illegal dumping should be reported immediately to the city constituent services at 955-6949.  (Alexa Mangrum)

Santa Fe Reporter