SWFWMD to treat water hyacinth and water lettuce on Shell and Prairie creeks

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water hyacinth and water lettuce on Shell and Prairie creeks in Charlotte County during the week of March 8-12.

District workers will treat portions of the creeks upstream of the Henderson Dam.

Workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Reward to scattered infestations, and post warning signs in the treatment areas noting treatment dates and water use restrictions. Treated river water should not be used for drinking, watering livestock, or irrigating lawns and ornamental plants for one day following treatment. The treated water should not be used for irrigation of food crops for five days. Water use restrictions apply to river water only, not to tap or well water. There are no restrictions on the use of the river for swimming or fishing.