Alex Plant steps into top job at Scottish Water
Alex Plant has taken over today as the new chief executive of Scottish Water.
Douglas Millican had held the position for a decade before Mr Plant took over.
Mr Millican had a profile in the strath due to the dispute over water quality in Aviemore following the change of the source to the aquifer at Kinakyle, just south of the village.
Mr Plant had previously worked with Anglian Water since 2014 where he was director of strategy and regulation.
The 53-year-old has also worked with Royal Mail, Cambridgeshire County Council, the Civil Aviation Authority, and HM Treasury, as well as having held several non-executive director roles.
The current salary for Scottish Water’s CEO stands at £295,000.
Scottish Water has said the pay for the company — the fourth biggest water and waste water utility in the UK — is less than any comparable water company CEO in the country.
Mr Plant was selected by Scottish Water’s Board — led by Dame Susan Rice — and the decision was then approved by Scottish ministers.
He said “I’m both proud and excited to start my new role with Scottish Water, and I plan to provide a smooth transition from Douglas Millican’s many years at the helm — leading us with confidence into the future."
Scottish Water aims to achieve net zero status by 2040 and improve resilience for customers by progressing with a transformation programme.
They provide drinking and waste water services to over 2.6 million households and more than 150,000 business premises throughout Scotland.
Mr Plant said: “Customers, communities, and the environment will remain at the heart of what we do.
"We face many challenges, including maintaining our very high standard of service while adapting to the impacts of climate change on our critical infrastructure.
“This will need sustained increased investment if we are to ensure future resilience.
"Our focus is on working with our partners to deliver a transformed service which protects and enhances the environment, provides real value for people every day, and continues to deliver excellent performance in every aspect of what we do.”
Raw water quality is historically very good in strath
The most recent inspection of the drinking water at Kinakyle identified a number of risks to raw water quality near to the boreholes but said otherwise the supply was well maintained.
Drinking Water Quality Regulator For Scotland stated: "Raw water is pumped to Aviemore Water Treatment Works from four boreholes with normal operation being three duty and one standby pumps.
"The aquifer is superficial alluvial/glacial sand and gravel with predominantly sandstone bedrock and a high degree of connectivity with the surface and the River Spey.
"Raw water quality is historically very good, but a number of risks to raw water quality exist near to the boreholes, and the risk from these is enhanced because all borehole headworks are below ground.
"It is recommended that DWSPs (Drink Water Safety Plan) are reviewed and updated to accurately reflect the risks highlighted in the catchment summary, so that appropriate interventions can be put in place to safeguard against these known risks.
"The boreholes are otherwise well maintained and Scottish Water has a good understanding of their construction and hydrogeology.
"CCTV surveys are performed regularly to check borehole condition. Treatment assets are also in good condition on the whole and all Scottish
Water staff were actively engaged and helpful throughout the audit."
Findings on the local drinking water quality can be found here
