Contractor Black & Veatch will delay the programme of work at Talla Reservoir for up to 12 weeks, while the nesting swallows rear their young and they migrate to the African sun. Often swallows can rear two groups of young within a season.

All birds and their nests, while in use, are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Contracts manager, Charlie Bull is happy to put a hold on the work while the chicks prepare for the migration challenge. He said: "During initial site surveys on the Talla Reservoir upgrade we found a swallow nest located in one of the tower shafts.

"Scottish Water takes advice from a number of organisations in preparation for such projects. Protecting the natural environment and ecosystems is an important part of what we do.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their co-operation and patience while we wait on these young chicks growing up and migrating with the rest of the swallow population."

One organisation which is clearly delighted with Scottish Water's approach is the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The RSPB's James Reynolds praised the contractor Black & Veatch and Charlie's team for their efforts: "Swallows are a classic signifier of summer in the British Isles, and their presence is enjoyed by so many people as they whiz through the sky and collect insects to feed their young.

"They have a strong bond and association with man, using our buildings as the perfect safe haven from predators to build their nests, so it is great to see them being appreciated in this way."

This is just one of a number of such projects across the Borders in which Scottish Water has paid particular attention to the local wildlife, protecting natural ecosystems.

As part of the £25million investment to provide clearer, fresher drinking water to 80,000 customers across the Borders, Scottish Water is doing everything possible to protect the sizeable otter population near the Howden Water Treatment Works.

The International Otter Survival Fund is a Scottish charity, set up to protect otters in their natural environment around the world.

The organisation's Grace Yoxon is commending Scottish Water's work, protecting the otter's natural environment across Scotland.