South West Water has introduced a new free-to-use washdown facility at Upper Tamar Lake on the Devon–Cornwall border. The initiative is designed to prevent the spread of invasive non-native species (INNS) that threaten ecosystems, drinking water supplies and local recreation.
From 31 August, visitors can use purpose-built stations to clean boats, paddleboards, bikes and model crafts, helping to stop species such as the zebra mussel from gaining a foothold in the reservoir. The opening will be led by local author Rupert Kirkwood, known as the ‘Lone Kayaker’, at 11am.
The facility includes a high-pressure washer for watercraft and a smaller wash station that doubles as a bike wash. Run-off drains into a soak-away system that traps fragments, larvae or mud—key vectors for invasive species.
Zebra mussels, an invasive species that can clog infrastructure and outcompete native wildlife, are one of the key threats targeted by the new washdown facility at Upper Tamar Lake
Why the facility matters
Upper Tamar Lake supplies drinking water to nearby communities. The region already faces risks from invasive species that can block infrastructure and disrupt habitats. Other threats include invasive aquatic plants and the American signal crayfish, which can spread on damp equipment or via standing water.
Ashley Bunning, Invasive Fish & Aquatic Biosecurity Officer at South West Water, said: “It’s often the smallest things that cause the biggest problems. A quick washdown might not seem like much, but it could be the difference between keeping our reservoir safe and facing a problem we can never undo.”
Community-driven design
The washdown has been delivered under South West Water’s environmental commitments, including those within its biodiversity strategy. The design was shaped by Tecker Ltd in collaboration with South West Lakes Trust, the Environment Agency, Bude Gig Club and regular lake users.
Upper Tamar Lake already hosts dip tanks for anglers (installed in 2020 and 2023). The new facility extends protection to all visitors, helping ensure every craft, board or bike leaves the site clean. The washdown is open daily, free to use, and automatically shuts off at night to prevent misuse.
