It makes sense that people who saw the Androscoggin River at its foamy, polluted worst feel better about it today, according to Bowdoin College Environmental Studies professor DeWitt John.

"They've been able to see how far it's come," John said. But, according to a survey John and Bowdoin students completed this semester, the children of those people are not as comfortable.

"It looks fine, but we still grew up hearing the jokes about three-eyed fish and 'Don't grow a third arm if you go swimming in it,'" said Bowdoin senior Alexa Kaubris, one of John's students and a Rumford native.

The survey shows a growing confidence in the river's water quality, as well as a desire for swimming, boating and fishing opportunities.

"It's really the first survey of its kind," said Neil Ward, program director of the Androscoggin River Alliance. "We're trying to gauge the public perceptions of the river, what people think of it and what they want for it. Nobody's ever done that, so we really are setting a baseline with this."

The study interviewed 960 people, mostly high school students in Rumford, Lewiston/Auburn, Lisbon, Topsham and Brunswick. The Bowdoin students visited area high schools, meeting with the students there and having them fill out a survey. They took copies home, as well, for their parents to complete.

The adults were more likely to say the river is important to their community, with 47 percent giving it a very important rating. Only 24 percent of the high school students agreed.

The students were also more critical of the river's overall health, with 43 percent rating it poor. Among adults, 24 percent rated it poor.

"The younger they are, the more environmentally aware they may be," John said. "They may just expect more than their parents."

Kaubris said that neither group claimed much familiarity with the river. While 61 percent said they used the river, 51 percent said their use amounted to looking at it while driving or walking past. A third admitted to swimming, fishing or boating and third said they used paths. But only half were aware of existing boat launches or trails.

The survey also found that neighbors opinions of the river changed depending on how far downstream they lived. Rumford residents were most likely to say the river is in poor health. Brunswick residents were most likely to rate its health good.

"But that may be born out by reality," John said. "The river may filter out most of the pollutants the farther downstream you go."

Selected result from a survey of high school students and their parents

How would you rate the health of the river?

• Excellent: 0.3 percent.

• Good: 14 percent.

• Fair: 38 percent.

• Poor: 38 percent.

What changes would you like to see?

• Better water quality: 58 percent.

• Prettier/less polluted: 54 percent.

• Swimmable: 53 percent.

• Restored native fish: 52 percent.

• More action by industry to reduce pollution: 60 percent.

• Less criticism of industry: 30 percent.

• More walking trails: 52 percent.

• More bike trails: 48 percent.

• More parks: 45 percent.

• Better bass fishing: 45 percent.

• Better boat access: 41 percent.

• More housing along river: 18 percent.

• No more housing: 33 percent.

• More economic development: 26 percent.

Rating river poor

• Adults: 24 percent.

• Students: 43 percent.

Use the river?

• Adults: 69 percent.

• Students: 58 percent.

River health is good?

• Rumford: 8 percent.

• Auburn: 9 percent.

• Lewiston: 9 percent.

• Lisbon: 18 percent.

• Topsham: 21 percent.

• Brunswick: 26 percent.

Source: Bowdoin College and Androscoggin River Alliance