Is Glyphosate Safe to Use in Aquatic Weed Control?

If you have a lake or pond, you no doubt also have many types of aquatic weeds and algae that call your body of water their home. But as you know, it's important to do everything you can in regards to aquatic weed control. While many types of herbicides are used in this process, the one used most commonly is glyphosate. The most widely-used herbicide in history, it has been used for years around the world to help control weeds in not only aquatic settings, but also on golf courses, agricultural settings, and other similar environments. However, as questions have arisen over the years about the safety of glyphosate, much disinformation has circulated and made it tougher for people to figure out is glyphosate safe for use on their lake or pond. If you are also struggling with this question, we here at Crosscreek Environmental have some facts you're sure to find very enlightening.

A Possible Carcinogen?

As for what started the controversy surrounding glyphosate and its use regarding lake maintenance, you can look to studies examined by the World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer. In 2015, both organizations classified glyphosate as a possible carcinogen, prompting many people to stop using it in various environments. However, additional reviews of the studies in question found various problems in how data was gathered and interpreted. As a result, the U.S. EPA in 2017 determined glyphosate was not considered to be a carcinogen to humans, and that when the herbicide was used correctly it posed no other significant risks to humans. As more and more regulatory agencies around the world have reviewed the new findings, they too have agreed glyphosate is not a threat to humans.

Is Glyphosate a Frog Killer?

While we are sure you're glad to know glyphosate poses no threat to humans, those of us here at Crosscreek Environmental also know you're wondering is glyphosate safe for the wildlife and other organisms that live in and around your lake. As with most lake management companies, this question was asked by many of us here at Crosscreek Environmental. Fortunately, there is no clear evidence suggesting glyphosate is harmful to frogs or any other animals or organisms when properly used in aquatic environments. While there has been one study used by some opposition groups claiming otherwise, the study in question focused on glyphosate that was not properly formulated for use in an aquatic setting. To put your mind at ease, you can trust that when our licensed and certified technicians apply glyphosate for aquatic weed control, it is done using only specially-formulated mixes that are known to be safe and effective.

Using Glyphosate for Lake Maintenance

When you discuss your concerns about the use of glyphosate for lake maintenance with trusted lake management companies such as Crosscreek Environmental, we will always be glad to answer any questions you may have. In any situation where aquatic weed control is a top priority, the focus is often on using a combination of chemical algaecides, aquatic herbicides, and other techniques we have at our disposal. Should your pond or lake already be dealing with an overgrowth of shoreline vegetation or aquatic weeds, using algaecides and herbicides such as glyphosate can be effective methods at curtailing the problem and then allowing you to consult with experts here at Crosscreek Environmental on how to move forward. In doing so, you can rely on the expertise of knowledgeable lake and pond management professionals who have dealt with situations such as yours many times over the years.

Annual Management Plan

Now that your main question of is glyphosate safe has been answered in the affirmative, you should turn your attention to working with us here at Crosscreek Environmental on an annual management plan for your pond or lake. By doing so, you can consult with our experts on the problems you are experiencing most often and learn the various options you would have to get things under control. If you're ready to get your pond or lake in excellent condition and make sure it stays that way, schedule a consultation with us here at Crosscreek Environmental by visiting crosscreekenvironmental.com or calling us today at 941-479-7811.