AgdaPkt 2014-09-08 Closed and Joint with SA

Browse Search

7.1.D. - Page 1 REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager September 8, 2014 SUBJECT Purchase of One 275 PSI Rated Neutral Output-Discharge Elimination System Water Main Flushing Technology Truck RECOMMENDATION By motion, suspend the Purchasing Ordinance requirements and approve the sole source purchase request, approve the Agreement between City of Redwood City and NO-DES Inc. for the purchase of one (1) unique 275 psi Neutral Output Discharge Elimination System Water Main Flushing Truck Unit in the amount of $357,950, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. BACKGROUND Traditionally, Redwood City's Water Division has performed routine maintenance of the water distribution system pipes by flushing water from fire hydrants at full blast, often for extended periods of time, to flush out dirt particles that have accumulated in the system, and to circulate water in the system to ensure customers have safe, clean, fresh tasting water. This conventional flushing process wastes large amounts of water (32 million gallons per year) and stirs up particulates that can cause water coming out of customer taps to be colored. Given the Governor and State Water Resources Control Board's recent emergency water restrictions and penalties enacted on July 15, 2014 due to the severe drought, the City's Water Division is particularly aware of its' responsibilities to conserve water. Until recently there has not been technology available to avoid this huge waste of water during the water flushing process, leading Redwood City to temporarily suspend its flushing program. Another factor impacting the viability of traditional methods of water system flushing is the requirement by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) calling on municipalities to limit and mitigate discharges of drinking water to the storm water system, creeks, and the bay. This limits the amount of conventional flushing the City can perform, and increases the administrative costs to conduct the program. Furthermore the SWRCB is in the process of implementing a new discharge permit for drinking water systems which may further restrict the City's ability to perform conventional flushing.