The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water hyacinths on portions of Lake Tarpon Mar. 2023.
Scattered infestations of these plants will be treated within shoreline areas and canals on Lake Tarpon.
Treatment involves the spot application of 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 lake water should not be used for drinking for two days. Restrictions do not apply to tap or well water.
Water hyacinth is a troublesome aquatic plant from South America that was brought to Florida in the late 1800s. It is a fast-growing plant that expands quickly.
If these aquatic plants are not controlled, recreational activities, navigation, flood control and fish and wildlife populations are negatively impacted. The management of these plants on Lake Tarpon 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.