District to Treat Hydrilla on Rainbow River

News Release

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.watermatters.org will be treating hydrilla on the Rainbow River during the week of April 2-5.

District workers will treat scattered infestations on the river from upstream of KP Hole Park to the Withlacoochee River.

Workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Aquathol Super K and post warning signs in the treatment areas noting treatment dates and water use restrictions. Treated river water should not be used for drinking or irrigation for seven days following treatment. Water use restrictions apply to river water only, not to tap or well water. There are no restrictions on the use of the river for swimming, boating or fishing.

"Hydrilla":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/aquaticplants/ 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 are negatively impacted. The management of hydrilla on the Rainbow River is a cooperative effort between the District, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

For more information, please call the District at (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4537.