The California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has begun spraying the waterways of Discovery Bay and Bethel Island again this year in its ongoing effort to control the stubborn Delta weed known as the egeria densa. And this time around, the DBW is bringing its game.

“We learned a lot last year with the water flows and effectiveness of the treatments, especially in Bethel Island,” said Gloria Sandoval, DBW spokesperson. “And this year we have expanded our treatment areas to include a number of additional sloughs. We think that will make a difference.”

Just a third of the way into the three-month program, Sandoval said it’s too early to tell if the DBW’s efforts will garner gold. But the department urges residents to give the fluridone treatment a chance to work; and that means leaving the eradication of the weeds to the professionals.

“Of course people are frustrated by the weeds, and we understand,” said Sandoval. “But we advise residents not to remove them themselves, because if they are removing the weeds, then they are also removing the treatment.”

Areas being treated include:

• Bethel Island – Taylor Slough, Piper Slough, Dutch Slough and Sand Mound Slough.

• Coney Island – Rivers End.

• Wright’s Tract – 14 Mile Slough and Village West.

• King Island – Honker Cut, White Slough, Disappointment Slough and Bishop Cut.

• Lower Jones Tract – Whisky Slough.

• Steamboat Slough.

• Sycamore Slough.

• Orwood Island and Byron Tract – Discovery Bay (west side and portions of the east side, Beaver Bay, Harbor Bay and Indian Bay).

The tenacious water weed first caught the attention of local homeowners and officials two years ago when it began clogging area bays and waterways up and down the Delta. At that time, County Supervisor and Discovery Bay resident Mary Piepho began advocating that the state-run agency foot the bill for treating the egeria densa in Bethel Island and Discovery Bay. She hosted a series of meetings with the DBW, Reclamation District 800 and members of the Discovery Bay CSD, and orchestrated two town hall meetings in Discovery Bay and Bethel Island.

This time around, the $5.3 million project – which covers hundreds of acres throughout the Delta region – is expected to conclude in October. Sandoval said residents should not expect to see much of a difference in the density of the weeds until all treatments are completed.

“There won’t be much to see until the end of the 12 weeks,” said Sandoval. “So we are encouraging residents to be patient and wait to see it work.”

For more information, visit www.dbw.ca.gov or call 888-326-2822.