Blog Archives
Aquatic Weed Harvester Helps to Restore Pond
Restoration efforts at Georgica Pond are showing results thanks to an aquatic weed harvester removing nutrient-rich algae that fuel toxic cyanobacteria blooms.
Read the full article on our website: Aquatic Weed Harvester Helps to Restore Pond
Mechanical Harvesting an Economical Choice
Aquatic vegetation can hurt water quality, recreation, tourism, property values, and communities financially. Mechanical harvesting may seem expensive upfront, but over a 10–30 year lifetime, it’s highly cost-effective. Harvesters use little fuel, require minimal maintenance, and even have resale value. Properly maintained equipment can last decades, making mechanical harvesting a smart long-term investment.
Read the full article on our website: Mechanical Harvesting an Economical Choice
This 30 year old Aquatic Plant Harvester is still operational and in use.
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
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 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
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
What is an Aquatic Weed Harvester?
Aquatic Weed Harvesters provide an environmentally friendly way to manage nuisance vegetation in lakes, ponds, and waterways of all sizes. Acting like an underwater lawn mower, they cut and collect submerged, emergent, and floating plants to keep water clear and usable.
Each machine uses a forward conveyor and cutter bars to remove weeds, storing them on board before offloading at shore. Aquarius Systems offers a range of customizable models to meet specific lake and vegetation needs, helping restore balance to aquatic environments.
Read the full article on our website: What Is an Aquatic Weed Harvester?
DNR “Mows” Dogwood Lake
At Indiana’s Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area, DNR staff used an Aquatic Weed Harvester to manage overgrown lotus pads and coontail on Dogwood Lake. This effort helps maintain healthy waterways and ensures better conditions for fishing and recreation.
Aquatic plant harvesting provides an environmentally friendly way to control vegetation growth without chemicals — improving water quality and access for boaters and anglers.
Read the full story on our website: DNR “Mows” Dogwood Lake
Aquarius Systems 