KZN Aquatic Weeds Working Group

08/03/2026

07/03/2026

Aquatic w**d spraying involves applying specialized, aquatic-registered herbicides to manage, control, or eradicate invasive plants in water bodies like dams, lakes, and ponds. Effective, safe control requires identifying the w**d, using appropriate herbicides (e.g., glyphosate for emergent, fluridone for submerged), and often requires a licensed applicator for large-scale operations to protect water quality.

07/03/2026

Aquatic w**d management is a labor-intensive, often full-time, and continuous job due to the rapid growth of invasive species, the need for environmental balance, and the requirement for constant monitoring. It is rarely a one-time fix, requiring an integrated approach that includes mechanical removal, biological control agents (like insects), and herbicide application throughout the year, especially during warmer months.

17/01/2026

Managing aquatic w**ds on-site is a highly difficult, labor-intensive, and often dangerous task due to the rapid growth rates of invasive species, challenging terrain, and the need to maintain ecological balance. On-site teams must navigate significant operational, safety, and logistical hurdles to control species like water hyacinth, Kariba w**d, and parrot's feather.

17/01/2026

Warm summer months fuel aquatic w**d proliferation through increased water temperatures boosting plant metabolism, longer daylight hours enhancing photosynthesis, and abundant sunlight enabling deeper pe*******on for growth, all leading to rapid growth and spread, especially with nutrient-rich conditions, causing issues like oxygen depletion and ecosystem imbalance.

16/12/2025

Aquatic w**d control uses a mix of preventive, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods to manage unwanted plant growth in water bodies, with the most effective approach being an integrated plan tailored to the specific w**d, water use, and ecosystem goals, often involving methods like grass carp (biological), herbicides (chemical), raking (mechanical), or proper Dam construction (preventive).

02/12/2025

Mass rearing and mass releases of insects, specifically the water hyacinth planthopper (Megamelus scutellaris), are a successful biological control method for invasive water hyacinth. This involves rearing the insects in large numbers at facilities and releasing them into affected waterways, often requiring multiple, large releases over several seasons for effective and lasting control, as demonstrated in Inanda Dam. The insects weaken the plant by consuming its sap, causing it to die off.

29/11/2025

Integrated aquatic w**d management (IAWM) is a comprehensive strategy that combines various control methods—such as biological, mechanical, and chemical—to manage aquatic w**ds. This approach aims to keep w**d populations at acceptable levels while minimizing environmental impact, unlike single-method strategies that can be less effective or more damaging. The effectiveness of an IAWM plan depends on identifying the specific w**d species, understanding the water body's ecosystem, and selecting compatible control methods that account for environmental and economic factors.

26/11/2025

The KZN AWWG convened it's last meeting for the 2025 calendar year at Msinsi Hazelmere dam today.
These meetings are held quarterly with the aim of maintaining coordination and communication amongst research institutions, implementation managers and other stakeholders in managing aquatic w**ds in the province.
The meeting ended with a boat inspection of the Hazelmere dam. The working group commended Msinsi and Umgeni-Thukela Water's efforts in maintaining very low levels of aquatic invasions at the Hazelmere dam through regular inspections, biocontrol releases and herbicide control of incursions as and when they are detected.

13/09/2025

🌿✨ Exciting news from Ixopo Dam! We’ve successfully implemented the use of Diquat, a potent water-soluble herbicide, to tackle aquatic w**d problems. This effective solution is particularly great for controlling floating w**ds like waterlettuce and waterhyacinth, ensuring our waterways remain healthy and vibrant.

Diquat not only provides rapid results, with treated w**ds sinking within days, but it also poses minimal risk to fish and other aquatic life. Let’s keep our dam thriving and beautiful! 💧🐟

07/09/2025

🌊✨ Successful Aquatic Vegetation Management at Ixopo Home Farm Dam! ✨🌊

We are excited to announce that uMngeni-uThukela Water, in collaboration with our service provider EnviroKonsult, has successfully completed the first herbicidal treatment of aquatic vegetation in the Ixopo Home Farm Dam as part of our Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan (IAVMP).

This operation involved a comprehensive approach to controlling aquatic w**ds, utilizing drone technology for the application of a diquat-based herbicide over an area of 6-8 hectares near the dam wall. The treatment required a 10-hour shutdown of raw water abstraction to ensure effective herbicide contact with the target plants.

We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all team members involved in this project, ensuring the health and sustainability of our water resources. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to maintain clean and safe water for our community! 💧🌱