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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Robert Leible, Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: February 9, 2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution to award a contract to Water Solutions Unlimited for the supply of Dipotassium Orthophosphate for the Water Production Division.
PURPOSE:
To obtain city council approval for the execution of a contract with Water Solutions Unlimited for the supply of Dipotassium Orthophosphate.
BACKGROUND:
The recently completed Corrosion Control Treatment Optimization Study recommends the addition of orthophosphate as a corrosion inhibitor to the city's water supply. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has approved the implementation of orthophosphate; thus, the city requires a new source of supply for the subject chemical. Orthophosphate has a long history of use in drinking water as a corrosion inhibitor with respect to lead corrosion. The use of orthophosphate is demonstrated and proven to reduce the amount of lead that leaches into drinking water from residential sources of lead, such as lead service lines.
DISCUSSION:
Bid No. 26-003 was advertised for the supply of Dipotassium Orthophosphate and bids were opened on January 28, 2026. Four (4) bids were received and the bid tabulation is attached. Water Solutions Unlimited is the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for Dipotassium Orthophosphate to be used at the Water Treatment Plant.
A contract amount of $330,000 is based on the estimated 2026 quantity of 40,000 gallons at a unit cost of $8.25/gallon. Funds are available in the 2026 City Budget in Account No. 510-4058-511-65-36 in the amount of $3,840,900.00.
The City of Aurora Local Preference Ordinance did apply to this bid but did not impact the award.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
None.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request committee and city council approval of a resolution authorizing the execution of a contract to supply Dipotassium Orthophosphate for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the award of a contract to supply Dipotassium Orthophosphate for the Water Production Division.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, bid No. 26-003 was issued for the solicitation of bids to supply Dipotassium Orthophosphate, a corrosion inhibitor, to be used in the treatment of the city's water supply for reduction of lead; and
WHEREAS, Water Solutions Unlimited submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid for the supply of Dipotassium Orthophosphate in 2026 at $8.25/gallon; and
WHEREAS, the contract amount of $330,000 is based on the estimated 2026 chemical quantity and the unit cost bid indicated herein; and
WHEREAS, funding is available in the 2026 budget in account No. 510-4058-511-65-36;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Director of Purchasing be and is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Water Solutions Unlimited for the supply of Dipotassium Orthophosphate for the Water Production Division.