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white foam

25 9:51:54

Question

foam
Just finished a new pondless waterfall, a two-tiered waterfall that empties into a large concrete bird bath, overflows into a lined area of small rocks and empties into the underground reservoir that contains the pump.  The flow is gentle but since a first turned on the pump there has been a large build-up of white sudsy foam in the bird bath basin at the base of the falls.  I have not had soap anywhere near it nor could anyone else have put any in.  There are no fish or plants in the feature.  Do you have any idea why this is happening and if any defoaming agents might help?   I will attach a photo.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
I could either be a high level of "dissolved organic compounds" or the result of a particular product used during installation.

Examples:

dirty liner
dirty rocks
waterfall foam sealant
pump's lubricant
the finish on the birdbath

It could also be, but not very likely, something having to do with you water source.  As long as it doesn't, the problem should take care of itself after a short while of refilling with water.  There are some products meant to deal with this.  They have names like "foam away" and "no more foam" etc...