Flavour of the Month Nov 2011: Sunset Dam

Post by **Richprins** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:45 am

I think this may be rather serious...photographed it last weekend:

I'm no scientist, but I've never seen that algae there before!

Silolweni Dam was breached a couple of years ago, as animals started dying from drinking the water...

Post by **Penga Ndlovu** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:45 am

Green algea is indeed a sign of bad water quality.

Post by **Sprocky** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:46 am

Not a good sign at all.

I have however seen this at Sunset Dam a few times years ago. When I get home this evening I'll post a pic and include the date.

Post by **Sprocky** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:46 am

Here is the shot that I had in mind, it was taken on 24 July 2005.

You can clearly see the algae.

Post by **Richprins** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:47 am

I think yours is the normal green algae one finds in any dam or pool, Sprocks?

Will try to get an answer...but others feel free!

Post by **RobertT** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:47 am

Looks similar to the algae they get on Hartebeespoort dam.

Here are reasons for Harties problem

http://www.hwag.co.za/what_is_the_algae_problem_10.html

Seems I cannot do link with mobile. The water in sunset is pumped from river which could also be carrying pollutants.

Post by **Richprins** » Sat May 26, 2012 9:08 pm

Sunset Dam:

Post by **Richprins** » Sat May 26, 2012 9:08 pm

Post by **Flutterby** » Sat May 26, 2012 9:08 pm

Map of the area

Post by **Flutterby** » Sat May 26, 2012 9:08 pm

Sunset Dam

From Nigel Dennis - Where to watch game in the Kruger National Park:

Sunset Dam lies...barely a kilometre from Lower Sabie. This is a favourite venue of photographers, and is particularly notable for the variety of water birds within easy camera range. Yellow-billed and Marabou storks are nearly always present, and sometimes saddle-billed and open-billed storks as well. Giant and pied kingfisher hunt from perches right next to the parking area, oblivious to vehicular traffic.

There are good numbers of hippo , and large herds of game drink throughout the day. It is tempting spend an entire morning at Sunset Dam, but with so much to see along the length of the H4-1, I generally move on after an hour or so.

Africa Wild