Water supply disruption continues at Glasgow's Barlinnie Prison

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 16 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow has experienced water supply problems affecting most of the prison for seven days, with some inmates unable to flush toilets.

Water supply problems at HMP Barlinnie began last Thursday and have continued affecting most areas of the prison for seven days. Some inmates have been left without running water in their cells, unable to flush toilets, while others have experienced only intermittent access to hot water. The Scottish Prison Service said on Sunday that supplies had been restored but has since admitted disruption continues, with water tankers still being used to refill tanks.

During a prison inspection on Wednesday, 1,415 men were being held at Barlinnie, almost 400 more than its designed capacity of 1,021. About a quarter were held on remand. Sara Snell, His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, said overcrowding had exacerbated existing problems with the prison's "inadequate" infrastructure, calling the incident further proof that a replacement facility was needed.

The Scottish Prison Service has implemented contingency measures including distributing bottled water and deploying mobile water tanks for toilets and showers. Some prisoners have been moved elsewhere in the jail to access hot showers. Snell called for the contingency arrangements to remain in place and for a reduction in prisoner numbers at Barlinnie.

How it is being reported

• Prison watchdog sounds alarm over Barlinnie as water crisis exposes wider problemHMP Barlinnie water crisis leaves toilets unflushable and showers cold as Scotland’s prison watchdog warns overcrowding is exposing ageing infrastructure risks.Glasgow Times · 16 Oct, 10:29
• Barlinnie water disruption shows 'ageing' prison problems - watchdogInmates at HMP Barlinnie have experienced 'intermittent' issues with the water supply for a week.BBC Glasgow And West · 15 Oct, 17:03
• Barlinnie water problems continue for seventh dayMost areas of the prison have now suffered disruption to the water supply since the issue was reported last Thursday.BBC Glasgow And West · 14 Oct, 17:38

In this story: HMP Barlinnie · Glasgow · Scottish Prison Service · Sara Snell

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