The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating hydrilla on Lake Okahumpka in Sumter County on March 7-10.
Treatment involves the application of the aquatic herbicide Aquathol K. Treatment areas will be posted with warning signs displaying treatment dates and applicable water use restrictions. Treated water should not be used for irrigation, domestic purposes or watering livestock for 14 days following treatment. Do not use fish caught from treated areas for food or feed for three days. These restrictions do not to apply to tap or well water.
Hydrilla is a troublesome exotic aquatic plant, which escaped into Florida waters during the late 1950s. It is a fast-growing plant that expands quickly.
If it is not controlled, recreational activities, navigation, flood control and fish and wildlife populations can be negatively impacted. The management of hydrilla on Lake Okahumpka is a cooperative effort between the District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
For more information, please call the District at 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476.