The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water lettuce on the Rainbow River February 28 March 3. Infestations of water lettuce from the Rainbow River State park to the Withlacoochee River in Marion County will be treated.
Treatment involves using the aquatic herbicide Reward. Treatment areas will be posted with warning signs displaying treatment dates and applicable restrictions. Restrictions on Reward include no livestock watering for one day, no irrigation of crops for five days and treated water should not be used for drinking for two days. This does not apply to tap or well water.
Water lettuce is a troublesome floating aquatic plant from South America that was first discovered in Florida in 1765. It is considered one of the worst weeds in the subtropical and tropical regions of the world and can double its population in less than three weeks.
If these aquatic plants are not controlled, recreational activities, navigation, flood control and fish and wildlife populations can be negatively impacted. The management of these plants on the Rainbow River is a cooperative effort between the District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
For more information, please call the District at 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476.