The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating infestations of water lettuce on the Rainbow River in Marion County Jan. 14-17. The treatment area is from the Rio Vista area to the Withlacoochee River.
Treatment involves the spot application of the aquatic herbicide Reward to scattered infestations. Treatment areas will be posted with warning signs displaying treatment dates and applicable restrictions. Treated river water should not be used for drinking, watering livestock or irrigating lawns and ornamental plants for one day. Treated water should not be used to irrigate crops for five days. Water use restrictions apply to river water only, not 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 water lettuce is not managed, recreational activities, navigation, flood control and fish and wildlife populations may 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.