Are you being careful enough about keeping your beautiful water plants, and aquatic life from spreading into your local waterways!  In the local river in my community countless hours and $$$ are spent in ridding our river of plants and animals that should never have been introduced to our river and now cause problems for native life and the health of the river.  Though this article comes from Michigan State University Extension, its message is for everyone who keeps a water garden with plants and aquatic life.  Let's keep them in our ponds and not let them escape to ruin our local waterways. 
 
"While water gardens add beauty to backyards, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with aquatic invasive species and to prevent escape...

Wildlife sightings, soothing sounds and scenic beauty are a few benefits of backyard water gardens. While exotic fish such as koi can be attractive and friendly additions, and non-native ornamental plants such as water hyacinth add vibrant color to your yard all summer long, neither are native to Michigan. If they are let loose into our lakes and streams, they can have long-lasting, detrimental impacts."

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/is_your_water_garden_having_a_ripple_effec...