Title
Requisition No. REQ-0007112
Water Testing Supplies
O&M
Body
Agenda of: January 28, 2026
Item No.: 2026-005
Amount: $2,582,853.95
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: January 5, 2026
RE: Requisition No. REQ-0007112
Water Testing Supplies
Vendor: IDEXX Distribution, 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 No. REQ-0007112, “Water Testing Supplies” with IDEXX Distribution Inc., at a cost not to exceed $1,519,325.85 for a duration of three (3) years with two (2) one year renewal options at a cost not to exceed $531,764.05 for each renewal year for a total contract amount of $2,582,853.95; and authorizes the CEO to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
Microbiological examination of water and wastewater involves lab testing to assess microbial contamination and quality by identifying and quantifying microorganisms like total coliforms (a large group of bacteria found in the environment and in the intestines of warm-blooded animals), E. Coli (a subgroup of coliforms that primarily live in the intestines; their presence indicates recent fecal contamination), and others. These examinations are crucial for ensuring the safety of drinking water and monitoring the effectiveness of wastewater treatment. A range of test methods have been developed for this purpose. Instead of carrying out separate tests for each of the potential pathogens, viruses, or parasites that might be in the water, microbiology tests are used for indicator organisms that are always present when enteric pathogens and viruses are also found. Testing materials and specialized bacteriological tests are used by all five (5) water treatment plants, Water Quality, and the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) Lab.
JUSTIFICATION
This contract is to furnish water testing supplies and reagents for testing total coliforms and E. Coli analysis for monitoring water quality for five (5) water treatment plants, the Water Quality group, and WRRF. These tests are necessary to meet the water quality requirements of the State of Michigan. The test is conducted for total coliforms and E. Coli which are indicator organisms for pathogens. These testing materials are not available from other companies.
FINANCIAL PLAN IMPACT
Summary: The services provided by the contract with IDEXX are part of the budget and financial plan for the water quality laboratory, water treatment plants laboratories, and wastewater laboratories. The purchase of the laboratory supplies varies from year to year due to water quality and regulation requirements. The value of the proposed contract exceeds the current financial plan in total. Sufficient funds will be provided as needed in the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) financial plan accordingly as part of the amendment process, first from other laboratory supplies budget, secondly from other budgeted areas, and finally from the unallocated reserves.
Funding Source: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Budget
Cost Center(s): Water Quality........................... 882121
Water Works Park WTP........... 882131
Springwells WTP……………… 882141
Northeast WTP…………….......882151
Southwest WTP……………..... 882161
Lake Huron WTP……………... 882171
Wastewater Laboratories……. 892235
Expense Type: Laboratory Supplies
Estimated Cost by Year and Related Forecast Variance: See table below.
Fiscal Year Amount
FY 2026 Budget (Prorated) $ 18,833.00
FY 2027 Forecast 281,800.00
FY 2028 Forecast 282,100.00
FY 2029 Forecast 282,400.00
FY 2030 Forecast 282,700.00
FY 2031 Forecast (Prorated) 188,667.00
Financial Plan Forecast $1,336,500.00
Proposed Contract Amount $2,582,853.95
Variance (positive / (negative)) ($1,246,353.95)
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was presented to the Operations and Resources Committee at its meeting on January 14, 2026.
SHARED SERVICES IMPACT
This item does not impact the shared services agreement between GLWA and DWSD.