Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Purchase of Sensus AutoGun Meter Reading Devices, Water Meters, and Parts for FY 2026-2027 in an amount not to exceed $900,000 from Aqua-Metric Sales Company.
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From: Jake Ngo, Public Works Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Noelani Leal, Management Analyst
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Approve a Purchase Order with Aqua-Metric Sales Company for Sensus AutoGun meter reading devices, water meters, and parts for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 in an amount not to exceed $900,000.
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BACKGROUND
New water meters are needed for the replacement of the City's aging water meters. Miscellaneous water meter parts will be used on an as-needed basis to repair water meters after their initial testing. The funding will be used to purchase new meters and necessary parts throughout the year.
This is year three of a six-year water meter replacement program. The City's last meter replacement program was completed more than 15 years ago. As meters age, mechanical parts degrade or become stuck, resulting in under-registration of water consumption. By replacing old meters, we anticipate long-term financial benefits through improved revenue capture resulting from the new water meters.
The purchase will include Sensus AutoGun meter reading devices, water meters, and parts for ¾", 1", 1.5", and 2" water meters, and large meters (3" thru 6"). The Sensus iPERL meters use a solid-state technology that more accurately captures low-flow water usage than the old mechanical meters. Overall, the new meters will improve measurement accuracy and increase revenue recovery.
Aqua-Metric is the sole authorized distributor of Sensus water meters and replacement parts in California. Pursuant to Section 3.44.080 of the Westminster Municipal Code, purchases from a sole-source supplier may be made without a competitive bidding process. The City uses only Sensus water meters throughout the City; replacing Sensus water meters with a different manufacturer would be impractical and incompatible with reading devices and the NextGen web-based meter reading software. Aqua-Metric serves over 900 water agencies nationwide, including adjacent cities such as Seal Beach, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, and Santa Ana.
New water meters will be installed by City staff who are familiar with the City’s water system, resulting in installation cost savings. The water meter replacement program continues to progress on schedule. By the end of Fiscal Year 2025-2026, staff will have replaced more than 45 percent of the City's water meters, representing a significant milestone toward completion of the program. Staff will continue implementing the program in a systematic manner to ensure timely completion while minimizing service disruptions to residents and businesses.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for the Purchase Order with Aqua-Metric Sales Company, in the amount of $900,000, are available in CIP Account Number 55502-552500, "New Water Meter Exchange Program".
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The purchase of Sensus AutoGun meter reading devices, water meters, and parts is necessary to replace, repair, and maintain the meters for the City of Westminster's water system.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Sole Source Letter
2. Aqua-Metric Sales Company Pricing List
3. Sensus Water Meter
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager