An increase in otters in the River Avon near Bath has led scientists at city firm Wessex Water to believe its work to improve water quality has benefited local wildlife.
The water company is confident that projects to improve the management of water being released into rivers after the sewage treatment process has improved water quality in the Avon.
The National Otter Survey shows that the animals are now living at many sites along the river in habitats where no trace of the creature could be found 10 years ago.
Otters rely on high-quality water habitats to supply enough fish to support them and their presence is seen as a canary-in-a-mine style confirmation of lack of pollution.
Ruth Barden, head of environment and conservation at Claverton Down-based Wessex, said: "We have made a collective effort to improve rivers and provide the healthy habitat essential to allow otter populations to thrive.
"This is a great indication that water quality is good and all the hard work we have been undertaking has brought significant benefits."
The survey took place at 15 sites along the Avon, with the number being used by otters up from one at the start of the decade to 10 now.
The firm has boosted its sewage treatment process and encouraged awareness of the need for farmers and industry to reduce toxic pesticide use.
Mrs Barden added: "We are thrilled these rare creatures have returned to the river and will continue our work to improve both the quality of water they hunt in and surrounding habitat where they set up home."
Meanwhile, turnover and profits are up at the firm in the six months to September.
The results show an increase in turnover of 0.2 per cent or £400,000 from £222.5 million to £222.9 million, while profit after tax increased by £3.3 million from £57.1 million to £60.4 million.
The firm will be investing a further £1bn – more per year than ever before – to improve water and sewerage infrastructure between now and 2015, with more than 300 schemes to reduce sewer flooding and increase sewer capacity to deal with the effects of climate change.
Additionally, work will begin to construct a new water supply grid – the firm's largest ever project – which will help manage water more effectively across the region, moving supplies around its territory.
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Increase-otters-offers-proof-cleaner-river/article-2958870-detail/article.html
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