Streams in Fairfax County support many different types of life. Fish, insects and salamanders live in many streams. Sometimes we may see things in streams that we do not recognize.
Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:
Streams in Fairfax County support many different types of life. Fish, insects and salamanders live in many streams. Sometimes we may see things in streams that we do not recognize.
Occasionally we find a stream that is an unnatural crystal blue color. Typically, this is from a dye that may be applied by upstream lake or pond owners to intensify the blue color of the water and to enhance the appearance of their lake or pond. The dye is not toxic to humans or wildlife. This dye may also be incorporated into commercial algaecides. The algaecide is not toxic to wildlife or humans when applied at manufacturer-recommended rates.
Water in pools, or other slow moving areas, may appear dark brown or black. This is caused by decomposition of organic material. Similar to steeping a tea bag in your mug, leaves and other natural organic material release tannins which can cause a stream to turn a darker color. This is a natural occurrence and is not toxic
The fuzzy, bright orange substance seen in the picture to the left is often a type of bacteria. This bacteria takes iron dissolved in groundwater and oxidizes it (a chemical reaction similar to forming rust), drawing energy from the process of turning it into fuzzy orange gunk. Oxidation prevents iron from dissolving in the water and produces either an orange colored slime or an oily sheen, like the picture in the "Bacteria or Petroleum: How to Tell the Difference?" section of this website. This indicates that the stream is partially fed by groundwater.
To distinguish between iron oxidizing bacteria and petroleum, break up the oily sheen on the water with a stick. If the sheen stays broken up in pieces, then it is most likely iron oxidizing bacteria; the same as the orange slime above – just in a different form. Iron oxidizing bacteria is not harmful and may accumulate for several months until it is dislodged by high water flows.
If the sheen goes back together, then it may be a petroleum spill. If you believe it is a petroleum spill, please report non-emergencies to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department by calling 703-691-2121. For emergencies, call 911.
Foam, suds or bubbles in a stream may be the result of a natural process or human pollution. Foam develops in streams when certain substances interact with the water, reducing the surface tension which makes air bubbles on the water. Nature contributes to the creation of foam, suds or bubbles when plants and animals decompose and release a substance that can break down the surface tension of the water.
Over fertilizing your lawn can cause excess plant and algae growth to occur in local streams. The decomposition of this excess growth will lead to an increase in foam, suds and bubbles.
Car washing on hard surfaces, washing machine discharge, sanitary sewer or septic field failure and certain types of industrial discharge from paint and pesticide production can be a source of man-made foam, suds or bubbles in streams.