SCDES Seeks Public’s Help in Reporting Invasive Giant Salvinia Plant in Lake Wateree 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Oct. 22, 2025 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is seeking the public’s assistance in reporting sightings of the invasive giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) plant that’s been identified in Lake Wateree, which is located in Fairfield, Kershaw and Richland counties. Because of its destructive impact on aquatic ecosystems and interference with boating, fishing and recreation, giant salvinia is prohibited in the United States by federal law. 

Giant salvinia is an invasive floating fern originating from Brazil. South Carolina waterways, especially in the coastal plain, are very susceptible to invasion by this plant. It can double its coverage in less than a week, forming dense mats that outgrow and replace the native plants that provide food and habitat for animals and waterfowl. Giant salvinia mats can create navigation issues and cause problems with water quality, as well.  

SCDES first identified the presence of giant salvinia in Lake Wateree on Oct. 6. 

Anyone who believes they've located the plant should contact SCDES’s Aquatic Nuisance Plants Program: 

• Email: invasiveweeds@des.sc.gov 

• Phone: 803-898-0033 

• Or click here to submit an online sighting report 

   

Left: Giant salvinia, the small floating plants, is pictured mixed with cutgrass. Photo courtesy of Duke Energy. Right: A mature giant salvinia plant with a salvinia weevil is pictured. Photo courtesy of Santee Cooper. 

SCDES’s Aquatic Nuisance Plant Program is working closely with Duke Energy, which manages the lake, to eradicate this invasive plant from Lake Wateree as quickly as possible. To date, approximately 11 acres of giant salvinia have been identified in and around the cove on the north side of Lake Wateree State Park. 

For additional information about SCDES’s role with protecting South Carolina from invasive plant species, visit des.sc.gov/anp. 

###