COUNCIL ACTION FORM

WATER TREATMENT PLANT SPLIT TREATMENT MODIFICATIONS PROJECT

The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is implementing split treatment modifications to improve water treatment processes. In a "split treatment" process, a portion of the raw, untreated water is intentionally bypassed around the solids contact basins and blended back together with the softened water later in the process. This blending method is a highly efficient way for the plant to achieve the desired final water hardness, pH, and stability.

By bypassing a portion of the water around the softening process, the plant significantly reduces the quantity of chemicals required for pH adjustment and stabilization, ultimately lowering overall operational costs (estimated at $122,000 annually) while still achieving the same hardness and pH characteristics as are currently being delivered to customers. There will be no noticeable change in the chemistry or the taste of the finished water. The split treatment process occurs before the disinfection stage of the treatment process occurs, meaning this approach does not affect the safety of the finished water.

To facilitate these operational modifications, new piping, pumps, and electrical controls must be installed within the facility. Staff has prepared detailed specifications for a qualified contractor to complete this work.

On August 25, 2026, City Council approved preliminary plans and specifications for the Split Treatment Modifications at the Water Plant project. An Invitation to Bid was issued in AmesBids by Purchasing. A legal notice was published on the websites of a contractor plan room service with statewide circulation. On September 23, 2026, three bids were received as shown below. 

Staff evaluated the bids and determined that the low bid from Orchard Inc., of Grimes, IA, is acceptable. 

The authorized budget for this project is carried over from the FY 2023/28 CIP (Water Plant Facility Improvements, originally budgeted at $130,000 and subsequently amended to $245,000). 

1. Accept the report of bids, approve the final plans and specifications, and award a contract to Orchard Inc., of Grimes, IA, in the amount of $182,800.
   
   
2. Award a contract to a different bidder.
   
   
3. Do not award a contract at this time.

The proposed project will implement modifications that will reduce operational costs while maintaining identical water quality as the current process. Approving the contract with Orchard, Inc. will allow staff to move forward with implementation of the Split Treatment Modifications at the Water Treatment Plant. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.