This is often an area where maintenance people do not want to get their feet wet. The control of aquatic vegetation is probably the most universal problem facing the pond manager. Aquatic weeds and algae not only detract from the appearance of a pond, but also can inhibit functional uses. Public response to infested waterways is quite negative. Visitors and guests, spoiled by swimming in clear, chlorinated pools, have a very low tolerance of aquatic vegetation.
Shoreline fishermen find it impossible to reach their quarry through the tangled growth.
Fish production may suffer. Water hazard ponds become eyesores, irrigation ponds become clogged and nonfunctional. It might be helpful to know something about the nature of these plants. Aquatic plants, like terrestrial vegetation, require sunlight, nutrients, and water for growth. They have a diversity of special adaptations, which allow them to survive in water.