Water sedge is most vulnerable to fire during the drier seasons of late summer and fall.
Water sedge usually recovers from low-severity fires within a year. Information regarding fire effects on seed production and germination for this species is lacking. Sites where the organic layer is only partially burned provide poor seedbeds, and most establishment in such areas is by vegetative means. Prescribed burning to remove excess litter, especially in little grazed areas, results in a temporary increase in plant productivity. In the year prior to burning, it is necessary to restrict use by livestock.