Category Archives: Uncategorized
Keeping Our Waterways Weed Free
Aquatic weeds have been a challenge for centuries, from manual clearing to the invention of early cutter boats in the 1900s. Today, modern Aquarius Systems weed harvesters act like underwater lawn mowers, cutting and collecting vegetation efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.
Mechanical harvesting removes nutrients, reduces sedimentation, and keeps waterways safe and usable — all without the restrictions of chemicals or herbicides. With ongoing innovation, aquatic weed harvesters continue to evolve to meet the growing global need for healthy, navigable waterways.
Read the full article on our website: Keeping Our Waterways Weed Free
Seaweeds or Sea Vegetables?
When we think of “seaweed” many imagine an unwanted plant, but in other parts of the world, it’s considered a valuable sea vegetable. From sushi rolls to shampoos, aquatic plants are part of everyday life and industry.
Across Asia and coastal Alaska, sea vegetables like nori, wakame, and rockweed are prized for their nutritional and commercial value. Some are even farmed for export or used in products like ice cream, toothpaste and fertilizer.
For over 60 years Aquarius Systems has built equipment to cut and harvest aquatic plants; sometimes to clear waterways, and other times to help collect valuable resources like kelp and rockweed.
Read the full article on our website: Seaweeds or Sea Vegetables?
Toxic Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are naturally present in lakes and streams but can form harmful blooms in warm, nutrient-rich waters. Some produce toxins that can affect humans, pets, and livestock, causing symptoms ranging from skin irritation to serious illness.
These blooms also disrupt ecosystems by reducing oxygen, blocking sunlight, and impacting fish populations, making them a serious concern for water quality and aquatic habitats.
Read the full article on our website: Toxic Blue-Green Algae
EPA Funds to Revitalize U.S. Urban Waters
The U.S. EPA is providing nearly $2 million in grants to improve water quality and support community revitalization in urban waterways across the country. The funding supports projects such as water quality monitoring, public education, green infrastructure training, and local watershed planning.
These initiatives help communities restore waterways, promote environmental justice, and create social and economic opportunities, while encouraging residents to actively participate in protecting and improving urban water systems.
Read the full article on our website: EPA to Provide Nearly $2 Million to Revitalize U.S. Urban Waters
Aquatic Weed Harvesting Success in Malawi
Floating aquatic weeds caused major problems for Malawi’s hydroelectric plants, blocking intakes and causing millions in repair costs. To address the issue, Aquarius Systems introduced a mechanical weed management system, including a Swamp Devil™ shredder, weed harvester, and shore conveyor.
The project has eliminated plant shutdowns, improved hydro station efficiency, and created local jobs. Harvested weeds are also repurposed as fertilizer, benefiting nearby farmers while helping control invasive vegetation naturally.
Read the full article on our website: Aquatic Weed Harvesting Success in Malawi
The Nuisance Zebra Mussels
Zebra mussels are small freshwater invaders rapidly spreading across North American lakes. While they filter water, their activity can starve small fish, allowing invasive plants like milfoil to thrive, and making weed harvesters increasingly necessary.
These mussels also impact recreation and industry: they tangle propellers, hinder boating and swimming, and clog industrial water systems, costing billions in maintenance.
Understanding zebra mussels helps communities protect ecosystems, recreation, and infrastructure from their harmful effects.
Read the full article on our website: Zebra Mussels: A Growing Threat
The Weeds at River Walk
At Bakersfield’s River Walk, an aquatic weed harvester works like an underwater lawn mower, cutting and collecting weeds before they reach the surface. The harvested plants are transported to shore, where they are removed and disposed of responsibly.
This mechanical approach reduces the need for chemicals, protecting groundwater and saving costs compared to traditional herbicide treatments. The harvester’s efficiency keeps the waterways safe and accessible for everyone.
Read the full article on our website: The Weeds at River Walk
A Success Story – Lake Minnewawa Weed Harvesting
In the 1970s, Lake Minnewawa was overrun with weeds, making boating and water quality a challenge. In response, local residents formed the Save Minnewawa Association and eventually purchased an Aquarius Systems weed harvester.
Operating several months each year, the harvester clears invasive vegetation, improves water clarity, and removes excess phosphorous — reducing algae growth and supporting a healthier ecosystem. The project is funded by memberships, donations, and volunteer work, not state funds, making it a true community effort.
Thanks to years of consistent harvesting, the lake has seen significant improvements in water quality and usability, proving the value of mechanical weed management over chemical alternatives.
Read the full article on our website: Lake Minnewawa Weed Harvesting Success Story
Milfoil — Beating back the invader
Along the Columbia River, milfoil, an invasive aquatic weed, can make boating and recreation difficult. Park maintenance crews use a milfoil harvester, which cuts and collects the plants, keeping waterways clear and safe for visitors.
Once harvested, the milfoil is taken to compost piles, where it naturally breaks down, providing an eco-friendly solution for managing invasive plants. This method helps maintain the river environment while ensuring parks remain accessible and enjoyable.
Read the full article on our website: Milfoil — Beating Back the Invader
The harvester cuts the milfoil below the water level, catches and lifts it onto a conveyor and secures it in a holding tank until the harvester docks and the milfoil is removed.
Smith and Mendoza have worked together since 1997 and have been harvesting milfoil for the state and county parks along the Columbia River in Chelan and Douglas counties for two years.
A day harvesting milfoil begins with getting the harvester ready for the water.
They lower the paddle wheels, take the “Oversize Load” sign off the back and erect a large shade umbrella over the seating area. Even with the umbrella, they lather on the sunscreen and get ready for a hot day on the water.
Also with them are inflatable vests, safety goggles, ear plugs, lots of water and iced Gatorade.
The men back a trailer holding the harvester into the water, then push the machine off the trailer with the help of a hydraulic lift.
While one person runs the harvester on the water, the other stays on shore, performing basic maintenance on the pump and trailer.
When the harvester is full, it is maneuvered toward shore, where the conveyor is shifted into reverse and the load is dumped onto a truck bed. The load is then taken to a compost heap on park grounds.
Keith Truscott, environmental and permitting manager for Chelan County PUD, says milfoil has such a high water content that even a very large pile will break down to almost nothing when it dries.
By the time the truck has come back from dumping the weeds, says Smith, the harvester is often full again and the next batch of harvested milfoil is ready to be taken to the compost pile.
Mendoza and Smith agree that Dave Coble, their crew leader and the man who trained them to use the machine, holds the record for most loads harvested in a single day at 26. Mendoza and Smith claim they aren’t really keeping count, but Mendoza says his personal record is about 14.
The size of the park, technical difficulty and the amount of milfoil to be harvested determines how long it takes to finish each park and how much is harvested each day.
Mendoza says the job is easier when the water level is lower. The milfoil and any hazards are easier to see then.
Both he and Smith concede the most difficult park is Will Risk Memorial Park, commonly known as Entiat park. Foundations from the original town of Entiat, buried underwater after the erection of Rocky Reach Dam in 1961, are near the surface there. The two slow down when harvesting that area to prevent damaging the machine.
If something on the harvester needs fixing, often it can be done while still on the water, with the tools kept on board.
Harvesting can get a little scary when the gates at dams open, Mendoza says. With the stronger current and a full load, the harvester can’t move very quickly and has to fight against the current.
Duties working in park maintenance vary and include plowing snow in the winter, mowing lawns and pruning.
The two men work four days a week, Monday through Thursday, avoiding Fridays and weekends because the boat launches and parks are busier on those days.
“We try to be considerate and stay out of people’s way,” says Smith.
Rochelle Feil: 664-7153
feil@wenworld.com
Snowstorms Triple Trash in Anacostia River
Following a series of heavy snowstorms, the Anacostia River saw a surge in debris — nearly three times the usual amount collected by D.C.’s Water and Sewer Authority. Crews work year-round to remove hundreds of tons of trash from the water, but winter runoff can make the problem worse.
Efforts like D.C.’s bag tax and community cleanup programs aim to reduce the amount of plastic and litter entering the river, protecting local waterways and wildlife.
Read the full article on our website: Snowstorms Triple Trash in Anacostia River
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