NQ Water is waiting for the end of the wet season before seeking a mechanical solution to help manage weeds in Ross River.

Environment Manager Rob Hunt says a decent flush will force the bulk of weed over the weirs and out to sea.

A weed harvester leased from the Burdekin Shire Council removed about 20,000 cubic metres of weed from the weirs over a three month period last year.  

Mr Hunt says small applications of a 'frog friendly' herbicide has drastically reduced floating weed infestation this year.

"The bulk of weed currently in the river is less than half of what was there last year as a result of our preventative maintenance program," Mr Hunt said.

"The recent flush cleaned out the feeder creeks where the current crop of weed was growing.   Further rain will push it over the weirs."

Mr Hunt says NQ Water will make a decision late in March whether or not to employ the harvester.

"Since heavy rain is the most cost effective control, it is prudent we wait until the end of the wet season before committing funds to mechanically remove the weed," he says.

"That decision will be made quickly in early April to minimise any disruption to users.

"Another good set of falls will also address the submerged weed problem we have in the weirs.

"The rising water level will help block the access to available sunlight and limit the growth of Cabomba and other noxious weeds."

NQ Water spent more than $100,000 hiring the weed harvester last year.