| Abstract: | Aquatic plants are an increasing economic problem over much of the United States. Once established in a high-nutrient environment they rapidly choke waterways and cover the surfaces of lakes. This in turn diminishes the flow of water, reduces recreational potential and property values, and increases water treatment costs. Florida, which seems to have the worst problem for the present, is now spending more than $15,000,000 per year on aquatic plant control. Texas and other Gulf states, increasingly beset by the proliferation of noxious species, are not far behind. The major impact in Texas will be on water resources, the result of exceptionally high rates of evapotranspiration from reservoirs infested with waterhyacinth. Unless aquatic plant spread is brought under control there will be water loss from plant transpiration equivalent to 20 percent of the anticipated yield form existing and planned reservoirs. The cost of water losses of this magnitude, if allowed to occur, would approach $100,000,000 per year. However, since the long range expectation in Texas with respect to water development is achievement of maximum yield from each watershed, unchecked growth of aquatic plants cannot be allowed. ... |
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