Salvinia infested lake in North Carolina

v affects irrigation, recreation, drinking water supplies

v S. molesta populations can double in size in less than 3 days.

v can produce a mat of growth over the water from up to 2 feet thick.

v it blocks off light to plant growth below

v reduces the exchange of oxygen into the water, further depletes the
        dissolved oxygen content as old growth decomposes

v impacts migrating birds since covered ponds can no longer be seen

v mats can make fishing impossible

v clogs boat propellers and engine intakes