That all ended with the arrival of a single plant, the water hyacinth, Scott said.
A walk along the suburban lake these days now resembles something out of a science fiction novel â greenery dotted with a distinct purple flower stretched out along the edges of the water, and entirely blanketing the lake in some parts.
âItâs an environmental disaster,â Covington said. âThe water hyacinth depletes the water of oxygen. The fish die. The ducks that normally are there all the time are disappearing. Itâs horrible, horrible growth.â
The Sugar Land residents living along Cleveland Lake arenât alone in dealing with the invasive species before them, but ongoing discussions between a developer and the city have meant nearby homeowners must sit and watch the water hyacinth overtake the body of water.