Doria suspects that the foam is composed of pollutants and dissolved organic matter. His friends joked that maybe someone was doing their laundry, or even that it might be snow.
However, when Taguig.com asked the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), who run the pumping station, they explained that the foam is actually created when the pumping station is operated during heavy rain. The operation of the pumping station is meant to maintain the minimum water level in the river at Barangay Wawa and to push excess water towards Laguna Lake.
The MMDA clarified that no chemicals are added to the water, but the foam is formed due to the high speed of the pumping station's operation. Furthermore, they explained that the water itself can seem soapy due to the waste people dump into the river. The pumping station essentially acts like a washing machine, creating foam as the water churns.
Although the foam can look appealing, the MMDA advised the public against touching it as it might cause skin irritation or rashes.
The MMDA also reminded the public to avoid throwing garbage or any chemicals into the river, as it doesn't only cause flooding but also kills fish and other organisms in the river.
(Screenshot from Arnel Doria's video)
(Photo of Taguig Pumping Station by Taguig PIO)
