HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 15 - Lab Equipment MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
MEETING DATE: MAY 5, 2026
SUBJECT: PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE OF LAB EQUIPMENT, LAB
CHEMICALS, MONITORING AND FLOW MEASURMENT EQUIPMENT
FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
RECOMMENDATION: City Council to consider approval for the purchase of lab equipment,
chemicals, monitoring and flow measurement equipment, and
maintenance for the water and wastewater treatment system from the
HACH Company for the Public Works Department.
FUNDING SOURCE: Funds are available in the Utility Enterprise Fund for a total amount not to
exceed $80,000.
BACKGROUND: This contract will provide service and parts for reagents, probes, and lab
supplies that are specific and proprietary to the HACH instruments that
are used at water and wastewater treatment plants and by the Laboratory,
Water Distribution, and Wastewater Collection Divisions of Austin Water.
These supplies and services are used in field process analysis, online
analyzers, and benchtop lab meters allowing staff to monitor water quality
compliance and process control.
There are no other recognized or authorized sources to purchase HACH-
branded instrumentation and chemistry products. Service isn't performed
or available by any recognized company, and unauthorized repairs will
void the warranty. These products from HACH are fully integrated into the
daily water and wastewater plant operations and are only available from
HACH.
This analysis is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality and may be performed hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly to ensure
compliance. HACH Company d/b/a HACH CO or OTT HydroMet is the
manufacturer and sole authorized distributor of these services and parts,
reagents, probes, and lab supplies, which are required to be used with
this lab equipment to protect the warranty and ensure accurate results.
These procurements will be made as a sole source in accordance with
Local Government Code Chapter 252, Subchapter B, § 252.022. General
Exemptions (a)(7)(A) HACH Company is the sole source provider for
these types of equipment.
Staff recommends approval.
KC/TM