The dam harbours high concentrations of blue-green algae (Spirulina spp) and diatoms (Cyclotella spp.), the main food sources for its plentiful Lesser Flamingos.
Penny Singer was the second wife of microbiologist Christopher Hills, who was co-discoverer of the protein-rich plankton spirulina, the base for many natural food products, and founded the University of the Trees in Boulder Creek, California.