Last year, an invasive species of Hydrilla was discovered in Gardner Lake, prompting Connecticut legislators to propose building boat washing stations with high-pressure hot water or compressed ...

Now it has become a large, glossy mat that can cover swathes of the lake. To fishermen, the invasive plant is a threat to livelihoods. Usually, the presence of water hyacinth is linked to pollution.

Big Creek Lake is the source of drinking water for MAWSS customers. The utility has struggled to protect the lake from invasive species in the past, primarily Giant Salvinia, a floating fern that ...