Aquatic Weed Control

The District maintains the stormwater retention areas within Celebration, a major function that includes controlling the aquatic weeds within the waters. The District has a contract with Sitex Aquatics to perform these functions, which includes monthly inspections and treatment of aquatic weeds and algae within the stormwater ponds and canals.

Treatments include hand removal of algae, populating ponds and lakes with grass carp, installing plant material to help absorb the excess nutrients in the pond, and applying chemical treatments to noxious species as needed based on monthly observations. In some cases, staff has determined that aeration is the best means of controlling algae and other noxious growth in ponds.

Key Benefits

• Visually interesting stormwater retention ponds and canals with attractive plant material
• Compliance with permits with other governmental agencies
• Healthier food chain in the aquatic system for other wildlife
• Help control mosquito population with the reduction in weeds and algae
• Rooted plants help stabilize the lake banks and shorelines

What Residents Can Do

• Do not fertilize the pond or lake
• Do not apply lawn fertilizers closer than 20 feet from the shoreline
• Do not blow lawn clippings into the pond or lake or into the street where it can run through the drainage system

Some Of The Problems Caused By Aquatic Weeds Are As Follows:

• Detract from the aesthetic appeal of a body of water
• Stunt or interfere with a balanced fish population
• Fish kills due to removal of too much oxygen from the water
• Produce quiet water areas that are ideal for mosquito breeding
• Certain algae can give water bad tastes and odors
• Impede water flow in drainage ditches, irrigation canals, and culverts, causing water to back up
• Deposition of weeds, sediment, and debris, can cause bodies of water to fill in

(suggestions and problems provided by Carole A. Lembi, Aquatic Weed Specialist, Purdue University)