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Herbicides

Herbicides, commonly known as weed killers, are pesticides used to kill unwanted plants. Selective herbicides kill specific targets, while leaving the desired crop relatively unharmed.

FAQs on Applying Herbicides to Geist and Morse Reservoirs

Can I use herbicides to control weeds in water near my home?

Yes, herbicides are allowed to be used on Geist Reservoir, Morse Reservoir and Eagle Creek with the following requirements:

Approval from Citizens - Pre-approval must be obtained from Citizens Energy Group by calling (317) 924-3311 or by emailing customercare@citizensenergygroup.com. A Citizens representative will contact you to review your herbicide application plans. Citizens requires preapproval for applying herbicides so we can know where applications are planned in order to determine if sampling or monitoring of water supply is necessary.

State permits are obtained - The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires a permit for the chemical treatment of vegetation in waters that are more than 25 feet along the shoreline, greater than a water depth of 6 feet, and greater in area than 625 square feet. The DNR's Customer Service Center offers DNR licenses, permits and maps. The center is at 402 West Washington Street, Room W160A in Indianapolis and is open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (317) 232-4200 or (877) 463-6367.

Proper products are used - Approved products must be applied in accordance with label requirements

Do herbicides work?

When properly applied, certain herbicides can control aquatic vegetation without harming the fish and other wildlife. In some instances, herbicides can be used selectively, that is, to control certain plant species without killing others. Aquatic herbicides also can fit into an aquatic plant management plan when it is desirable to treat some vegetated areas and leave others untreated. They can be particularly effective for controlling certain aggressive weed species such as Eurasian watermilfoil. However, it should be noted that, in most cases, aquatic herbicides offer only temporary solutions. The target species usually will reappear, and retreatment or application will need to be repeated.

What precautions should be taken when using herbicides?

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and licensed contractors have a list of herbicides that are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, when used in water as directed, pose no significant threat to the environment or to public health. Most herbicides, however, are toxic if taken internally, and direct contact with the chemical should be avoided.

Protective clothing, gloves, and a face mask or respirator should be worn during mixing and application. If a herbicide comes in contact with the skin, it should be washed off immediately with water. If a herbicide is accidentally swallowed, go to a physician immediately and consult the container label for first aid information.

Before buying and applying an herbicide, it is essential that you read the label to determine whether the product will meet your needs.

Where can I get more information about aquatic plant management?

More information about aquatic plant management is available from Purdue University at:

Aquatic Plant Management
Barley Straw for Algae Control
Control of Duckweed and Watermeal

Who provides aquatic vegetation services?

Citizens does not endorse any particular aquatic vegetation contractor, and only provides this list as a courtesy to our customers.

ASAP Aquatics
Ryan Schowe
3310 North Shadeland Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46226
P: 317-591-9000
F: 317-591-9003
e-mail: services@asapaquatics.com

Aquatic Control
David Isaacs
418 West State Road 258
Seymour, IN 47274
P: 812-497-2410
e-mail: sales@aquaticcontrol.com

Lakes Rx LLC
Mark Litwiler
13044 Saxony Blvd
Fishers, IN 46037
P: 877-557-6636
e-mail: LakesRx@comcast.net

Ponds Rx LLC
Mark Litwiler
13044 Saxony Blvd
Fishers, IN 46037
P: 877-557-6636
e-mail: PondsRx@comcast.net

Pond Medic
B. Kyle Richardson
6810 Turnberry Way
Indianapolis, IN 46237
P:317-507-0666
e-mail: indypondmedic@yahoo.com

Salsberry Brothers Landscaping
4317 E 146th Street
Carmel, IN 46033
P: 317-843-0100

Shideler Spray Service
13505 North State Road 3
P.O. Box 494
Eaton, IN 47338
P: 765-289-3331

W.B. McCloud & Co.-SBIL
Lyle Erickson
1011A West Lunt Ave.
Schaumburg, IL 60193
P: 847-891-6260

Clarke Aquatic Services
Tony Cunningham
1922 Fieldhouse Avenue
Elkhart, IN 46514
P: 574-389-3212
F: 574-389-3352
e-mail: tcunningham@clarke.com

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