SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize a purchase order to Evoqua Water Technologies, LLC for the purchase of one Evoqua Water Technologies complete Water Champ Chemical Induction Unit with accessories and two replacement units in the amount of $155,387.00 pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(a), Single Source, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Public Utilities Department is requesting authorization to purchase one Evoqua Water Technologies Water Champ Chemical Induction Unit (Primary Unit) for the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and two replacement Water Champ units (Replacement Units).
The existing chlorine contact chamber mixing system at the Northeast WRF does not provide consistent mixing of chlorine throughout the treatment process. Replacing the existing equipment with the Water Champ Chemical Induction Unit will provide more effective and uniform chlorine dispersion, improving the overall disinfection process. The Water Champ System has demonstrated successful performance at the Marshall Street Water Reclamation Facility, where it has improved chlorine mixing and operational efficiency.
The City is requesting the Primary Unit for the Northeast WRF to maintain consistency with the existing Water Champ equipment installed at the Marshall Street WRF. Standardizing on the same manufacturer provides operational, maintenance, training, spare parts, and lifecycle advantages across both facilities. Although other manufacturers offer chemical mixing systems, introducing a different platform would require city staff to operate and maintain multiple systems, maintain separate spare parts inventories, follow different maintenance procedures, and potentially accommodate different mounting, rail, control, and motor protection requirements. Standardizing on Water Champ allows the City to utilize common operating procedures, maintenance practices, and interchangeable spare parts and motors where applicable, reducing maintenance complexity, training requirements, inventory costs, and equipment downtime.
This purchase of the Primary Unit includes a spur gear, lift cables, guide rail, pivot bracket, alternative liquid feed assembly, and hose assembly. The City’s purchase also includes the Replacement Units. One of the replacement units will provide critical backup equipment for the existing Water Champ System at the Marshall Street WRF, while the second replacement unit will support the new installation of the Primary Unit at the Northeast WRF. Maintaining the Replacement Units at both facilities will help minimize downtime and ensure reliable operation in the event of equipment failure.
The total purchase amount is $155,387.00, including equipment, optional components, freight, and two days of on-site startup assistance and training. The complete purchase and payment is being made directly to Evoqua Water Technologies, LLC. Evoqua requires purchases of the Water Champ system to be made directly through the manufacturer. Water Treatment & Controls Technology, Inc. serves as Evoqua's exclusive authorized sales representative and factory-authorized service provider for the Wallace & Tiernan product line within Florida, Georgia, and Alabama and will be providing the Replacement Units upon completion of payment to Evoqua. No other distributors, dealers, sales representatives, or service providers are authorized to provide OEM equipment, OEM replacement parts, or factory-authorized service for these products within this territory.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3277321-562800-M1906 $155,387.00
Budgeted Funds are available in capital improvement project M1906 Northeast Plant R&R, funded by revenues from the Water and Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Establishing this purchase order supports the City’s strategic priority of High Performing Government by maintaining vital public infrastructure (1.2) and fostering safe and healthy communities through enhanced emergency response capabilities (1.4).
