South West Water installs state‑of‑the‑art eel screens at Lopwell Dam

South West Water has completed installation of advanced eel protection screens at its intake on the River Tavy at Lopwell Dam, safeguarding critically endangered European eels while ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water for the region.

European eel populations have plummeted by more than 90% over the past four decades. These remarkable fish hatch in the Sargasso Sea and undertake a transatlantic journey as larvae before migrating into European rivers to mature. At the end of their lives, mature eels return to the Sargasso Sea to spawn, completing one of nature’s most extraordinary migrations.

Under the Eels (England and Wales) Regulations 2009, water companies must minimise the impact of abstraction infrastructure on young eels (elvers) and other aquatic species. South West Water’s new intake screens at Lopwell Dam feature:

• Fine stainless steel mesh with 2 mm gaps to prevent elvers and juvenile fish from entering the pump system

• Automatic cleaning system that uses high pressure water jets to remove debris build up, maintaining screen performance even during autumn leaf fall

• Real time monitoring sensors that trigger cleaning cycles and alert operators to any operational issues

“These screens represent the highest level of protection for juvenile eels and fish at our abstraction point,” said Phil Turnbull, Fisheries Lead Advisor at South West Water. “We’re directly interacting with wildlife under the water, and our commitment is to deliver essential services while preserving the ecosystems we depend on.”

Fishtec Engineering, which designed and supplied the screens, emphasises the marriage of conservation and innovation. “By combining clever engineering with environmental stewardship, we can make river intakes safer and support the recovery of fragile eel populations,” said Mike Lakin, Technical Director at Fishtec.

Lopwell Dam serves both as a critical water source for Plymouth and a wildlife haven. The new eel screens ensure South West Water meets its regulatory obligations and contributes to the long term recovery of European eels, classified by the IUCN as “Critically Endangered.”

“The goal of the Eels Regulations is to increase the number of eels returning to the sea,” Phil Turnbull added. “By protecting juveniles at our intakes, we give them the best chance to grow, migrate, and rebuild their populations. It’s incredibly rewarding work.”