Agenda Item Wording:
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Award the Sole Source Purchase of a Replacement Membrane Bioreactor Train - Authorize the City Manager to approve the sole source purchase of replacement membrane and cassette upgrades at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility to Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions in the amount of $981,240 and appropriate $245,000 from the Wastewater Fund.
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Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, (559) 713-4671, ben.litwack@visalia.gov
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, (559) 713-4052, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager to approve a sole source purchase order in the amount of $981,240 to Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions for the replacement of one membrane train and upgrade of cassette frames at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), and appropriate $245,000 from the Wastewater Fund.
Summary:
This item seeks approval to issue a sole source purchase order to Veolia for the replacement and upgrade of membrane modules and cassette frames for one train within the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility’s membrane bioreactor (MBR) system. The new ZW500EV-RX modules will replace the existing ZW500D membranes, which have reached the end of their useful life. Veolia is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the City’s installed MBR system and the only qualified supplier of compatible replacement membranes and components.
Background Discussion:
The Visalia Water Reclamation Facility utilizes a membrane bioreactor system manufactured and supplied by Veolia (formerly GE Water and ZENON Environmental Corporation). The existing membranes, model ZW500D, were installed when the facility was commissioned in 2017 and have exceeded their typical seven- to eight-year service life.
Veolia has since discontinued the ZW500D model and replaced it with the more advanced ZW500EV-RX series. The proposed scope includes the supply of 308 new membrane modules factory-installed in six new cassette frames (five 56/56M and one 28/56M), along with all necessary installation hardware, lifting brackets, and replacement tools. Veolia will also provide off-site project management, documentation updates, and on-site technical support for installation and commissioning.
The total quoted amount of $981,240 includes materials, shipping, off-site support, on-site technical services, performance bond, and a two-year full replacement warranty.
A sole source purchase is justified because Veolia is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the proprietary ZeeWeed membrane modules, cassette frames, and related control software used in the City’s membrane system. Replacement membranes or components from other manufacturers are not compatible with the existing system and would void the equipment warranty and performance guarantees.
Upgrading to the ZW500EV-RX cassettes provides a 24% increase in membrane surface area and energy efficiency without altering the plant’s existing footprint or hydraulics. The upgrade will maintain full compliance with the facility’s Waste Discharge Requirements and extend the useful life of the MBR process.
In addition, staff will use this installation to gauge the total time required to replace a full membrane train and to assess whether additional staffing or the use of a third-party contractor will be needed to complete the remaining train replacements over the next two fiscal years. This project will serve as the benchmark for planning future replacement work across the remaining trains.
Fiscal Impact: Currently, $750,000 is budgeted for the MBR changeout project that is budgeted in the Wastewater Fund (CP0582). Staff is requesting an additional appropriation of $245,000 to cover the short fall, hauling costs, plus any small change orders from the Wastewater Fund (431 Fund).
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to grant a sole source purchase order to Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions in the amount of $981,240 for membrane replacement and cassette upgrades at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and appropriate $245,000 from the Wastewater Fund.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 11/17/2025
Attachments:
Veolia Proposal
Sole Source Statement
Levine Act