Otters, trout and heron have returned to a stream in County Durham as Northumbrian Water works to improve the health of waterways across the region. As part of a new project, the company are installing data-gathering monitors in rivers, streams and becks across the North-East to monitor river quality and allow teams to respond more quickly to problems.

The monitors, which are solar-powered and around the size of small suitcase, measure a series of key elements in the watercourse every 15 minutes, whilst sensors flag any potential changes to conditions in real-time. So far, 31 monitors have been installed in areas including Houghton-le Spring and Rainton, and over the next four years 390 more will be deployed in locations all the way from north Northumberland to North Yorkshire. The water company will collect data from hundreds of local watercourses and enhance understanding of the environmental impact of storm overflow events and sewage treatment works, ultimately helping to reduce pollution.

By protecting local rivers, streams and becks, Northumbrian Water hope that they will continue to encourage wildlife to return. That’s what has happened in Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham. Late last year, a customer named Dave Ford had a monitor installed in his garden, which backs onto a stream. Dave, who has lived in the property for 20 years, says he has seen a drastic change in the beck. “20 years ago, whenever there was a storm,” he remembers, “a storm overflow used to open at the end of the garden. After it had passed, I’d have to walk up and down the stream clearing rubbish. That doesn't happen anymore.”

Observing the improvement, Dave remarks that “over 20 years the stream has changed quite dramatically. We now have trout visiting regularly from about May to November, several otters in the stream, and a very healthy population of freshwater shrimp. It is now a perfectly alive stream which gives me a great deal of pleasure.”

Richard Warneford, Wastewater Director at Northumbrian Water adds that “it’s fantastic to see the wildlife returning in these areas. We’re very passionate about the environment, and we’re proud to be part of this project along with the communities in our region.”

This £51m investment in the installation of the monitors comes as part of the company’s wider £1.7 billion planned spend over the next five years to improve the wastewater network and the health of the local environment. It forms part of Northumbrian Water’s River Pledge 4 commitment – one of nine environmental pledges that the company is working on as part of its vision for improving coasts and rivers.