Clean, Drain, Dry… In every waterbody, every time.

— U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Why Cleaning Your Gear Matters in Florida’s Waters 

Florida’s waterways are some of the most unique in the country, from clear freshwater springs to coastal estuaries and lakes. But these connected systems are also especially vulnerable to invasive species and harmful bacteria that can spread easily from one location to another. 

Close up of invasive hydrilla spreading across the water surface, showing tightly packed stems and spiky green leaf clusters.
Hydrilla image from iNaturalist user jimbo225. CC-BY-NC 4.0.
Bright pink channeled apple snail eggs on a tree stump.
Channeled apple snail eggs image from iNaturalist user dmdiaz. CC-BY-NC 4.0.

Plants like hydrilla can quickly overtake waterways by blocking sunlight, reducing oxygen levels, and disrupting native ecosystems. Hydrilla is native to Asia yet has become one of the most aggressive invasive aquatic plants in North America, forming dense mats that choke out native vegetation and interfere with boating and fishing. 

Other invasive species come with similar risks. Water hyacinth and water lettuce can also rapidly cover the surface of lakes and rivers, limiting light penetration and changing ecosystem conditions for surrounding wildlife. The bright pink egg clusters of the channeled apple snail have become a common sight along Florida shorelines. Invasive apple snails are highly adaptable feeders that consume aquatic plants, algae, and organic material, often damaging wetland crops. Because of this, the channeled apple snail is considered one of the world’s most harmful invasive species. In Florida, their heavy feeding can alter aquatic ecosystems and may also displace our native apple snail.  

Close up of water lettuce forming a mat on the water's surface surrounded by little oval green plants.
Water lettuce image from iNaturalist user russellcumming. CC-BY-NC 4.0.

Zebra mussels, although not currently established in Florida, remain a major concern nationwide because of their ability to attach to hard surfaces, clog water infrastructure, and outcompete native organisms. Each of these species change how waterways function, often reducing biodiversity and making it harder for ecosystems to recover once they are established. 

What makes this issue so pressing is how easily these organisms travel. Small fragments of plants, microscopic larvae, and pathogens can hitch a ride on kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear, and even the soles of your shoes. Because many of Florida’s water systems are connected, something picked up in one spring or lake can be introduced into another without anyone realizing it until it’s too late. 

What to Clean and How to Do It Properly 

Preventing the spread of invasive species in Florida’s waterways does not require expensive and complicated equipment, just a simple routine after you step out of the water. The most popular approach is the “Clean, Drain, Dry” method. Start by rinsing all gear with freshwater to remove all mud, plants, and organisms that may have attached during recreation. Be sure to pay special attention to any hidden areas like crevices, fishing nets, seams, and the bottoms of your shoes, where small debris can easily get stuck.

One black wetsuit (left) and one white wetsuit (right) hanging to dry from a tree branch.
Wetsuits hanging to dry by John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Next, drain any water from your equipment. This includes kayaks, canoes, coolers, and anything else that can potentially hold water, since even a small amount could carry microscopic larvae or pathogens. Finally, allow everything to completely dry out before using it in another waterbody. Drying is essential as many invasive species cannot survive in the absence of moisture.  

This process should be repeated on more than just large gear. Items like swimsuits, snorkels, towels, and fishing rods can also carry unwanted materials between waterways. Taking a few extra minutes to clean, drain, and dry your gear helps protect Florida’s ecosystems without adding much effort to your routine. 

Protecting Florida’s Springs, Wildlife, and Bodies of Water

Lake Alice conservation area flooded with a fallen tree stump in the bottom left corner.
Lake Alice wetlands by Alexander Abair, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For the Gainesville community, these steps connect to places you already spend time in, like Lake Alice, Lake Wauburg, and nearby freshwater springs. These waterways are not isolated; they are part of a larger, interconnected system that supports fish, birds, and plants. 

Because of this connectivity, the introduction of invasive species in one location can quickly degrade others. A small piece of a plant or a trace of contaminated water can spread beyond just a single lake or spring to affect ecosystems that require stable conditions to support native species. Every organism who lives in a water body is affected by changes in water quality and vegetation from the introduction of invasive species. 

Small, consistent habits play an important role in protecting these environments and the flora and fauna who depend on them. Cleaning your gear after each water activity helps prevent the movement of invasive species and reduces the risk of long-term ecological damage. Making “Clean, Drain, Dry” part of your routine is a simple way to protect Florida’s waterways while continuing to enjoy them. 

Information from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, National Park Service, PlayCleanGo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service