水生雜草生長過盛時，常會堵塞灌溉水系，造成河水氾濫及航運不便。其發生主要和水道內所含之有機質含量有關，通常在流速緩、沈澱物多、濁度高之水系內發生多。近來研究顯示水生雜草有其潛在用途，若以此為防治手段之一，配合他種防治方法，並加以經濟效益的評估，訂定一長程的水生雜草管理辦法，則可達事半功倍之效。

An excessive growth of aquatic weeds can cause damage to block water-based system to lead to flooding, poor drainage and obstruct navigation. Generaly, their occurrence are related to the content of organic matters in waterways. More recently it has been realised that aquatic weeds can have beneficial effects on the aquatic ecosystem when present in moderation. Futhermore, it can be utilized commercially for a variety of products as a valuable natural resource. A long-term aquatic weed management is there- fore needed either utilization or control.