On Sunday, June 26, over 100 fish were found dead in Jackson Dam. The reason for the sudden deaths remain unclear but Rand Water has indicated that a drop in temperature might be to blame.
According to Rand Water media relations manager, Justice Mohale, the Palmiet discharges into Jackson Dam are tested on a weekly basis and reported on monthly. Treated water with acceptable water quality targets is allowed to flow into the Jackson Dam and it is monitored throughout the year. Since the report of the dead fish was received, special samples were collected on June 29 – 30 and July 1, 2015.
“The general observation and conclusion drawn from the site visit and the testing of the water is that the fish died from a temperature impact. As was noted, Gauteng experienced extremely low temperatures on June 27, 2015 and this could have contributed to fish deaths,” Mohale explained.
According to Accuweather.com, the average temperature for June 27 was 12°C. On June 26, the average temperature was 19°C and on June 28, it was 16°C. Fish species react differently to changes in temperature. Jackson Dam Fishing Club leader, Robin Norton is very skeptical about the temperature impact as an explanation for the unusual fish deaths.
Robin visited the dam on Thursday, July 9, and found even more dead fish in the water. This time the fish he found were Barbell, “usually they get through the toughest disasters,” Robin said.
When asked if the water was safe for animals that may visit the dam, Mohale responded with, “Yes. Generally the water in the dam provides environmental conditions that are favourable to sustain aquatic life”.
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