Due to Alabama's COVID-19 state of emergency, all Alabama Power lake offices and recreation sites are temporarily closed. Our focus is and will always be safety first and to maintain the well-being and health of our customers, employees and communities. Go here to learn more, including how you can still request permits.

Managing Aquatic Plants

Alabama Power recognizes the ecological importance of aquatic vegetation in company reservoirs. Aquatic vegetation will be managed for the optimization of all uses of reservoirs in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations. Aquatic plant control will be considered if vegetation:

  • Creates a potential public health hazard by providing a mosquito-breeding habitat.
  • Poses a threat to power generation facilities or water withdrawal structures.
  • Restricts recreational utilization of a reservoir.
  • Poses a threat to the ecological balance of the reservoir.

We utilize best management practices to control the spread of problematic plants.

If you think you see these plants on Alabama Power-managed reservoirs or have an issue with aquatic plants, please help us by submitting the form below or calling us at 205-257-2393.

Learn more about Alabama Power’s aquatic plant management program.

 

 

Hydrilla
This fast-growing non-native submerged plant aggressively outcompetes aquatic plants native to Alabama and can overtake a lake, making it unusable for recreation. Hydrilla poses many dangers:

  • Reduces dissolved oxygen required by aquatic organisms.
  • Protects mosquito larvae from natural predators.

 

 

Water hyacinth and water lettuce
These are non-native floating plants with extremely high growth and reproductive rates. They form mats that reduce water quality, make navigation more difficult and increase mosquito reproduction.

 

 

Lyngbya
An alga common in the South, lyngbya forms foul-smelling mats that can produce a toxin causing fish kills and skin irritations.

 

 

Eurasian watermilfoil
This fast-growing non-native submerged plant can quickly overtake a lake and outcompete native vegetation.

 

 

Alligator weed
This non-native emergent plant grows in dense mats ideal for mosquito production. It has a white flower and leaves that grow on opposite sides of the stem.

 

 

Water primrose
This native emergent plant can cause mosquito and access issues. It has a yellow flower and leaves that grow on alternate sides of the stem.

 

 

Water willow
This native emergent plant provides excellent habitat for aquatic organisms. It has a violet flower and leaves that grow on opposite sides of the stem. Although this is a highly desirable plant, it will be considered for control if it meets the above criteria.

 

 

Zebra Mussel
Have you seen this?

Learn more

 

Report Aquatic Plants

  • Contact Information

  • ex.: 205-555-5555

  • Lakefront Property Information

  • Accepted file types: jpg, png.
    JPG and PNG files only.

 

 

 

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Aquatic Plant Control Guidelines

Guidelines (PDF)

More information about aquatic plants