The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water hyacinth and water lettuce on portions of Lake Tarpon Jan. 811.
Scattered infestations of these plants will be treated along shoreline areas of 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 water use restrictions. Restrictions on treated waters include no livestock watering for one day, no irrigation of turf or ornamental plants for one day or irrigation of food crops for five days and treated lake water should not be used for drinking for one day. Restrictions do not apply to the use of tap or well water.
Water hyacinth and water lettuce are troublesome aquatic plants from South America. Water hyacinth was brought to Florida in the late 1800s and water lettuce was first discovered in Florida in 1765. Both are fast-growing plants that expand quickly. Water lettuce 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 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.