Herbicides That Can Be Used Near Water

Glyphosate

Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide which is commonly used to control the growth of floating plants like water lilies and shoreline plants such as purple loosestrife. The herbicide is generally applied to the leaves of the plant in liquid form. The herbicide is not effective on submerged plants like Eurasian watermilfoil. Some tradenames for the aquatic herbicides containing glyphosate include AquaMaster, AquaPro and Rodeo. It can take a few weeks for the plants to die after the application of glyphosate. Repeat applications are often required to cover the plants that were initially missed.

Fluridone

Fluridone is a systemic slow-acting herbicide used for the control of underwater plants like Eurasian watermilfoil. The herbicide is used both as a pellet and liquid. The herbicide is most effective in slow moving waters. Fluridone is not effective as a spot treatment in areas smaller than 5 acres. It can take between 6 to 12 weeks for plants to die after application. The trade names for fluridone include Whitecap and Sonar. If used in very low concentration fluridone is not highly effective on certain native aquatic plants such as pondweeds.

2,4-D

2,4-D is a fast acting, selective and systemic herbicide that is most effective on a number of broad-leaf weeds and Eurasian watermilfoil. AquaKleen and Navigate are the two formulas of 2,4-D which are exclusively for aquatic use. Both herbicides are available in liquid and granular form and are effective for spot treating Eurasian watermilfoil. 2,4-D is not allowed to be used in waters that contain threatened and endangered species of salmon. These waters are mostly in the Pacific Northwest.