Conagua deploys specialized boat to clear water hyacinth from Hidalgo dam, curb mosquito breeding

The National Water Commission (Conagua) is preparing to deploy a specialized vessel to tackle the extensive water hyacinth infestation at the Endhó dam in Hidalgo, Mexico. This move is a large-scale solution to remove the aquatic plant, which has been linked to the proliferation of the Culex mosquito, impacting the health of residents in at least three southern Hidalgo municipalities.

Officials met with municipal presidents from Tepetitlán, Tezontepec de Aldama, and Tula to discuss the progress of the Master Plan for the dam's recovery. Residents have long demanded action against the water hyacinth and the associated mosquito problem. Current efforts include shredding the hyacinth and fumigation campaigns.

The new boat is described as an "aquatic titan," capable of collecting, processing, and packaging up to 80 cubic meters of water hyacinth per hour on-site. This technology is expected to save fuel and time, with the processed plant material ready for reuse as compost or biomass.

Fumigation efforts began on May 1, initially covering 22 localities and expanding to 46, with support from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation. Local mayors have pledged to provide vehicles and personnel. Since October, nearly 100,000 cubic meters of water hyacinth have been removed, and 6,000 hectares of the dam and surrounding areas have been fumigated, benefiting approximately 26,000 residents and 9,000 homes. Permanent fumigation continues using drones and other advanced equipment.