Title
REQ-0007619
Imlay Pump Station VFD Improvements
CIP #132021 / BCE Score: 59.40
Body
Agenda of: January 28, 2026
Item No.: 2026-006
Amount: $1,100,000.00
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-0007619
Imlay Pump Station VFD Improvements
Vendor: ABB 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-0007619, “Imlay Pump Station VFD Improvements” with ABB Inc., at a cost not to exceed $1,100,000.00 for a duration of one (1) year; and authorizes the CEO to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
Imlay Pumping Station consists of a pump house and a reservoir. The station maintains the required water pressure in the following water supply mains: 72-inch supply line to Flint area and 96-inch supply line to North Service Center Pumping Station (NSC). The station receives water through a 120-inch water main from the Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant. It also stores water to supplement the water supply during the high demand period. The supply water can bypass the station and go directly from the 120-inch main to the 96-inch and 72-inch water mains. Currently, all four (4) of the variable frequency drives (VFD) need an upgrade. They are currently at the end of their lifecycle and ABB Inc, the single source provider, will not be maintaining or providing parts for these drives.
JUSTIFICATION
The Imlay station requires immediate attention for system stability. Running in bypass mode results in higher than desired pressure as the station pumps water south toward Flint and east to the NSC. The ability to maintain proper valve positioning is severely hindered, which can cause significant pressure spikes or drops. Recommendation is to upgrade four (4) VFDs at the Imlay Pump Station to maintain proper valve positioning and decrease the risk of future main breaks.
FINANCIAL PLAN IMPACT
Summary: Sufficient funds are provided in the financial plan for this project.
Funding Source: 5519 - Water Construction Fund
Cost Center: 880000 - Capital Improvement Fund
Expense Type: 616900 - Construction
Estimated Cost by Year and Related Estimating Variance: See table below.
Fiscal Year
FY 2026 Planned Spend $ 0.00
Financial Plan Estimate 0.00
Proposed Contract Award 1,100,000.00
Estimated Variance $ (1,100,000.00)
A budget amendment of $1,100,000.00 will be made to move the estimated variance to FY26 from Capital Reserves.
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.