Ann Arbor logo
File #: 10-0532    Version: 1 Name: 6/21/10 - Hydrofluorosilicic Acid Purchase - WTP
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 6/21/2010 In control: City Council
On agenda: 6/21/2010 Final action: 6/21/2010
Enactment date: 6/21/2010 Enactment #: R-10-205
Title: Resolution to Approve Purchase of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid for Water Treatment from Alexander Chemical Corp, Bid No. ITB-4096 (estimated $68,000.00/yr)
Title
Resolution to Approve Purchase of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid for Water Treatment from Alexander Chemical Corp, Bid No. ITB-4096 (estimated $68,000.00/yr)
Memorandum
Your approval is requested to authorize the purchase of hydrofluorosilicic acid for the Water Treatment Services Unit. The estimated cost of this chemical for FY2011 is $68,000.00.

The CDC has established that 0.7mg/L - 1.2mg/L of fluoride in the drinking water is safe, healthy and effective for preventing tooth decay. Fluoride in the drinking water supplied from the City's water treatment plant is about 1.0 mg/L. The City's source water normally has about 0.3mg/L - 0.5mg/L of fluoride. The Water Treatment Services Unit uses hydrofluorosilicic acid to bring the fluoride level to about 1.0mg/L.

The EPA neither endorses nor opposes the addition of fluoride to drinking water, the decision to add fluoride in the drinking water is made at the local level. However, the EPA has set the maximum level of fluoride to be 4.0mg/L in drinking water. A resolution passed by City Council in 1950 directed City staff to fluoridate water.

The following bids were received:

Alexander Chemical Corp $0.3285/lb
PVS Nolwood Chemicals $0.345/lb
Thatcher Co $0.3710/lb
Pencco, Inc $0.378/lb
LCI, LTD No Bid
Solvay Fluorides No Bid

It is recommended that the resolution be approved to satisfy the Water Treatment Services Unit's requirement of hydrofluorosilicic acid from Alexander Chemical Corp, as the lowest responsible bidder.

Alexander Chemical Corp received HR approval on May 20, 2010.

It is also recommended that the purchasing agreement be extended for up to three additional one-year extensions at no increase in cost if the vendor is agreeable, and if the City deems it to be in its best interest.

In the event Alexander Chemical Corp is unable to furnish the chemical, it is requested that the City Administrator be authorized to accept th...

Click here for full text