Title
Requisition No. REQ-0003841 and Various Others
Hydrofluorosilicic Acid
O&M
Body
Agenda of: July 23, 2025
Item No.: 2025-210
Amount: $3,251,814.40
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: June 26, 2025
RE: Requisition No. REQ-0003841 and Various Others
Hydrofluorosilicic Acid
Vendor: Pencco, Inc., and Univar Solutions USA, Inc.
Status: New Contract/PO
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Cheryl Porter, Chief Operating Officer - Water and Field Services, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), authorizes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to enter into Requisition Nos. REQ-0003841, REQ-0003850, “Hydrofluorosilicic Acid” with Pencco, Inc., and Requisition Nos. REQ-0003851, REQ-0003853 and REQ-0003854, “Hydrofluorosilicic Acid” with Univar Solutions USA, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $1,625,907.20 for a duration of two (2) years with two (2) one (1) year renewal options at a cost not to exceed $812,953.60 for each renewal year for a total contract amount of $3,251,814.40; and authorizes the CEO to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
Hydrofluorosilicic acid (H2Si F6), (HFS), is used to fluoridate the water during the treatment process. Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in water to achieve optimal prevention of tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth produces acid when a person eats sugary foods. This acid eats away minerals from the tooth’s surface, making the tooth weaker and increasing the chance of developing cavities. Fluoride helps to rebuild and strengthen the tooth’s surface, or enamel. Water fluoridation prevents tooth decay by providing frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride. By keeping the tooth strong and solid, fluoride stops cavities from forming and can even rebuild the tooth’s surface.
JUSTIFICATION
Hydrofluorosilicic acid (H2Si F6 - HFS) 23% or greater concentration by weight is used by five (5) water treatment plants. Shipments of HFS will be delivered to three (3) water treatment plants, Lake Huron, Southwest, and Water Works Park. Quantities for Northeast and Springwells plants will be delivered to the Water Works Park plant. HFS, is added to drinking water to increase the concentration of fluoride ions, as source water contains a very small amount of fluoride ions. This process, known as water fluoridation, is done to promote dental health by reducing tooth decay and cavities.
FINANCIAL PLAN IMPACT
Summary: The proposed agreements with Pencco, Inc., and Univar Solutions USA, Inc., was anticipated as an on-going component of the water financial plan and encompasses Operations & Maintenance (O&M) budget only. The budget and four-year financial plan were based on the analysis of usage from prior fiscal years and anticipated costs. The value of the proposed agreement is within the current financial plan in total and there are sufficient funds available for this project.
Funding Source: Operations & Maintenance Budget (5910)
Cost Center(s): Water Works Park Water Operations cost center 882131
Springwells WTP Water Operations cost center 882141
Northeast WTP Water Operations cost center 882151
Southwest WTP Water Operations cost center 882161
Lake Huron WTP Water Operations cost center 882171
Expense Type: Chemicals - Hydrofluorosilicic acid
Estimated Cost by Year and Related Forecasted Variance: See table below.
Fiscal Year Amount
FY 2026 Budget $ 1,391,000.00
FY 2027 Financial Plan 1,395,000.00
FY 2028 Financial Plan 1,399,000.00
FY 2029 Financial Plan 1,403,000.00
Financial Plan Estimate $ 5,588,000.00
Proposed Contract Amount $ 3,251,814.40
Variance (positive/ (negative)) $ 2,336,185.60
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was presented to the Operations and Resources Committee at its meeting on July 9, 2025.
SHARED SERVICES IMPACT
This item does not impact the shared services agreement between GLWA and DWSD.