Abnormal Proliferation of Water Hyacinth in Jiangjun River; Tainan City Removes 1,200 Metric Tons
The Tainan City Government's Water Resources Bureau announced that due to low rainfall and rising temperatures in the first half of this year, water hyacinths have abnormally proliferated in the Jiangjun River. Since starting removal operations in April, 1,200 metric tons have been cleared, with an estimated 30-40% remaining. Efforts to strengthen downstream collection are underway to prevent the plants from entering the Beimen Lagoon.
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- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 12:40
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 12:56 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 11, 2026 at 12:59 (3 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Reporter Zhang Rongxiang, Tainan, 11th) Due to below-average rainfall and rising temperatures in the first half of this year, water hyacinths have abnormally proliferated in the Jiangjun River. The Tainan City Government began removal operations in April and has cleared 1,200 metric tons to date. The Water Resources Bureau will strengthen downstream collection efforts to prevent the water hyacinths from entering the Beimen Lagoon with frontal rainfall.
The Tainan City Government Water Resources Bureau stated today that spring and summer are the peak growth seasons for water hyacinths, with the optimal water temperature being 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. With less rainfall in the first half of this year, ample sunlight, and abundant nutrients in the water acting as catalysts, the coverage area of water hyacinths in the Jiangjun River has experienced explosive growth.
The Water Resources Bureau told a CNA reporter that the removal of water hyacinths from the Jiangjun River began in April, spanning from the Madou Drainage area upstream to the Jiangjun River. As of early June, 1,200 metric tons had been cleared. Based on estimates of the total volume, approximately 30% to 40% of the water hyacinths still need to be removed.
Following abundant rainfall brought by a frontal system starting June 4th, the Water Resources Bureau has installed interception cables at key confluences to prevent the water hyacinths from drifting back and forth between tributary drains such as Zongye Drainage, Pitou Drainage, Congziliao Drainage, Haipu Drainage, and fish farming drains due to tidal fluctuations.
The Water Resources Bureau will strengthen the encircling and collection of water hyacinths in downstream channels to block them from flowing into the Beimen Lagoon and prevent their spread with the tides. Currently, the bureau is continuously monitoring the flood control situation of the main drains of the Jiangjun River and maintaining channel flow using the 'Tainan Water Conditions Real-Time Notification' system, along with real-time imagery and water level monitoring data deployed along the route.
Water hyacinth, also known as Eichhornia crassipes, is a floating aquatic plant native to the Amazon River basin in South America. It belongs to the Pontederiaceae family and reproduces rapidly, capable of doubling its population in two weeks under suitable conditions. (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150611
The Tainan City Government Water Resources Bureau stated today that spring and summer are the peak growth seasons for water hyacinths, with the optimal water temperature being 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. With less rainfall in the first half of this year, ample sunlight, and abundant nutrients in the water acting as catalysts, the coverage area of water hyacinths in the Jiangjun River has experienced explosive growth.
The Water Resources Bureau told a CNA reporter that the removal of water hyacinths from the Jiangjun River began in April, spanning from the Madou Drainage area upstream to the Jiangjun River. As of early June, 1,200 metric tons had been cleared. Based on estimates of the total volume, approximately 30% to 40% of the water hyacinths still need to be removed.
Following abundant rainfall brought by a frontal system starting June 4th, the Water Resources Bureau has installed interception cables at key confluences to prevent the water hyacinths from drifting back and forth between tributary drains such as Zongye Drainage, Pitou Drainage, Congziliao Drainage, Haipu Drainage, and fish farming drains due to tidal fluctuations.
The Water Resources Bureau will strengthen the encircling and collection of water hyacinths in downstream channels to block them from flowing into the Beimen Lagoon and prevent their spread with the tides. Currently, the bureau is continuously monitoring the flood control situation of the main drains of the Jiangjun River and maintaining channel flow using the 'Tainan Water Conditions Real-Time Notification' system, along with real-time imagery and water level monitoring data deployed along the route.
Water hyacinth, also known as Eichhornia crassipes, is a floating aquatic plant native to the Amazon River basin in South America. It belongs to the Pontederiaceae family and reproduces rapidly, capable of doubling its population in two weeks under suitable conditions. (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150611
FAQ
What is the total cost of this water hyacinth removal?
The article does not specify the total cost.
Are water hyacinths harmful to humans?
They are not directly toxic, but large blooms can degrade water quality and cause odors.
What can citizens do to help?
Report any abnormal growth to the Water Resources Bureau.