The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) manages 13 prisons across Scotland. Each of these has its own dedicated Business Stream relationship manager, responsible for the prison’s water supply.
The system of relationship managers proved its worth, when HM Prison Open Estate, Castle Huntly faced having to relocate more than 280 inmates after a leak disrupted the water supply for the entire prison.
After contacting Business Stream, the leak was fixed in a matter of hours, the water supply was restored and the authorities averted a ‘logistical nightmare.’
Inside
Three miles west of Dundee, HM Prison Open Estate, Castle Huntly is one of Scotland’s two open prisons. The prison and Business Stream had put together contingency plans in case of a major disruption to Castle Huntly’s water supply to maintain the inmates’ right to constant running water.
As the wholesaler, Scottish Water is responsible for the maintenance and repair of water pipes/networks that run up to the boundary of a business’ site. Beyond that boundary, it’s the customer’s responsibility to carry out any repairs.
Prison break
On 1 August 2007, Rick Brown, head of estates at Castle Huntly, identified a leak within the prison boundary but required assistance with detection and repair. Not only did the leak cut off the prison’s water supply, it also caused its water storage tanks, which provide an auxiliary water supply, to run low.
Unable to repair the leak, Rick contacted Business Stream, who immediately got to work resolving the problem.
Back on track
Within half an hour, three pallets of bottled water and four water tanks had been dispatched to the prison, as well as a leak repair squad. The leak was repaired the same day, and Business Stream was on standby throughout the night to provide support in the event of further problems.
“The prospect of being without both our main and auxiliary water supplies was a real concern for everyone at Castle Huntly,” said Rick. “Having to relocate the inmates would have been a logistical nightmare but luckily, thanks to the intervention of Business Stream, this course of action was avoided. It’s reassuring to know that all I have to do if we ever experience a similar scenario is lift the phone and things will be sorted.”
If your organisation relies on a water supply to keep running, then Business Stream’s team of experts can help you plan and prepare for the worst. Drop them an email at operationalsupport@business-stream.co.uk and they’ll be happy to help.
