DATE: 06/17/2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Honorable President and Board Members
FROM: Utilities Department
2026-226
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AND
CORONA UTILITY AUTHORITY ACTION
SUBJECT:
AWARD OF BID FOR POTABLE WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT
CHEMICALS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report asks the City Council to approve issuance of Purchase Orders to multiple vendors for chemicals used for potable water and wastewater treatment in response to Notice Inviting Bids 26-028CA for Potable Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council:
a. Award Notice Inviting Bids 26-028CA for Potable Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals to the following vendors for an initial purchase order for period ending June 30, 2027, with five one-year renewal periods:
i. JCI Jones of Torrance, CA, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, for the chemicals sodium hypochlorite 12.5% and Sodium Bisulfite 25% in the amount of $2,861,600.
ii. Thatcher Company of Nevada, Inc. of Henderson, NV, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, for the chemical aluminum sulfate 43.65% (10% acidified) in the amount of $152,000.
iii. Pacific Star Chemical of Monrovia, CA, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, for the chemicals aluminum sulfate 48.5% and Sodium Hydroxide 25% in the amount of $160,000.
iv. Airgas Specialty Products of Lawrenceville, GA, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, for the chemical Ammonium Hydroxide 19% for $75,000.
v. Aqua Ben Corporation of Orange, CA, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the chemicals cationic polymer (centrifuge dewatering - wastewater treatment), cationic polymer (sludge thickening – wastewater treatment), cationic polymer (secondary clarification – wastewater treatment), anionic polymer (wastewater treatment), and anionic polymer (water treatment) in the amount of $871,100.
vi. Polydyne, Inc. of Riceboro, GA, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the chemical cationic polymer (water treatment) in the amount of $230,000.
vii. Univar Solutions USA, LLC of Kent, WA, a responsive, responsible bidder, for the chemical Sulfuric Acid 93% in the amount of $340,000. viii. Pencco, Inc. of San Felipe, TX, the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, for the chemical Ferric Chloride 40% in the amount of $154,000. b. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute nonsubstantive extensions, change orders, and amendments up to 10% per purchase order as authorized in Corona Municipal Code Section 3.08.080(J). c. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue annual purchase orders for the initial purchase order period ending June 30, 2027, with five one-year renewal periods to:
i. JCI Jones for $2,861,600
ii. Thatcher Company for $152,000
iii. Pacific Star Chemical for $160,000
iv. Airgas Specialty Products for $75,000
v. Aqua Ben Corporation for $871,100
vi. Polydyne Inc. for $230,000
vii. Univar Solutions USA LLC for $340,000
viii. Pencco, Inc. for $154,000
That the Corona Utility Authority review, ratify, and to the extent necessary, direct the City Council to take the above actions.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
The Utilities Department operates four water treatment facilities and three water reclamation facilities serving the City of Corona. The Utilities Department uses a variety of chemicals at these facilities to treat potable water and wastewater to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
ANALYSIS:
On March 18, 2026, the Purchasing Division issued Notice Inviting Bids (NIB) 26-028CA for Potable Water and Water Reclamation Treatment Chemicals in accordance with Corona Municipal Code (CMC) Section 3.08.110 Non-public projects - formal bidding procedure. The solicitation was published on the City’s electronic bidding platform, PlanetBids, with a bid closing date of May 12, 2026. The City requested pricing for 15 chemicals used in potable water and wastewater treatment. Bidders were permitted to submit pricing for one, multiple or all of the chemicals listed in the bid document. Seventyfive vendors were notified of the bid opportunity, and twenty-five bidders downloaded the bid documents. The City received 30 bids from sixteen bidders by the submission deadline. Staff recommends award to the following bidders:
Table 1: Award Recommendation
Chemical Bidders Vendor Price U/M Award
Amount
Sodium
Hypochlorite
12.5%
2 JCI Jones $2.30
$2.10
Per gallon
(2,000-
4,999)
Per gallon
(5,000)
$2,798,000
Aluminum
Sulfate
43.65% &
10%
Acidified
1 Thatcher
Company
$2.54 Per gallon $152,000
Aluminum
Sulfate
48.5%
3 Pacific Star
Chemical
$1.98 Per gallon $60,000
Ammonium
Hydroxide
19%
2 Airgas Specialty $5.00
$1.433
Per gallon
(250-1,999)
Per gallon
(2,000-
5,000)
$75,000
Cationic
Polymer
(Centrifuge)
1 Aqua Ben $1.44
$1.51
Per lb (bulk)
Per lb
(totes)
$648,000
Cationic
Polymer
(Sludge
Thickening)
1 Aqua Ben $1.44
$1.51
Per lb (bulk)
Per lb
(totes)
$126,000
Cationic
Polymer
Secondary
Clarification
1 Aqua Ben $1.11 Per lb (tote) $21,600
Chemical Bidders Vendor Price U/M Award
Amount
Anionic
Polymer
(Wastewater)
1 Aqua Ben $1.46
$1.48
Per lb (bulk)
Per lb (tote)
$60,500
Cationic
Polymer
1 Polydyne Inc. $1.10
$1.05
Per lb (500-
1,999 gal)
Per lb
(2000-5000
gal)
$230,000
Anionic
Polymer
(Water
Treatment)
1 Aqua Ben $1.77 Per lb $15,000
Sodium
Hydroxide
25%
4 Pacific Star
Chemical
$1.32 Per gallon $100,000
Sulfuric Acid
93%
2 Univar Solutions
USA LLC
$3.28 Per gallon $340,000
Ferric
Chloride 40%
3* Pencco, Inc. $3.00 Per gallon $154,000
Sodium
Bisulfite
3 JCI Jones $2 Per gallon $63,000
*Kemira Water Solutions was disqualified due to OSHA violations Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5%
Sodium hypochlorite in 12.5% concentration is used in both water and wastewater treatment.
Potable Water Treatment - Sodium hypochlorite is used in water treatment for disinfection and to achieve chlorine contact time. At the Lester and Sierra Del Oro (SDO) Treatment Plants, sodium hypochlorite is used for pre- and post-treatment disinfection.
The influent source for both treatment plants is Colorado River water which is full-body contact. This requires pre-chlorination before the treatment process for the health of the facility and to eliminate pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, giardia, and cryptosporidium, among others. Sodium hypochlorite is also used in post-treatment disinfection to achieve contact time through a chlorine contact basin (CCB). The chlorine contact time requirements are based on the City’s Water Supply Permit as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. At Well 11, sodium hypochlorite is used to treat groundwater before the water is blended into the distribution system. At the Temescal Desalter facility, sodium hypochlorite is used to achieve the required disinfection to ensure regulatory compliance. The potable water treatment process uses approximately 256,045 gallons of sodium hypochlorite each year.
Water Reclamation Treatment - Sodium Hypochlorite is used in wastewater treatment for final disinfection of treated plant effluent. Water Reclamation Facility Nos. 1, 2, and 3 each treat municipal wastewater through a combination of physical and biological processes that remove biosolids for further treatment and disposal. The final treatment step at each facility is to dose treated effluent waters with Sodium Hypochlorite to achieve adequate chlorine contact time, which neutralizes microscopic, pathogenic bacteria and oxidizes residual ammonia, making the water safe to discharge into the environment or reclaimed water distribution system. Treated wastewater effluents are dosed in two stages – pre- and post-filtration – to a level that satisfies the City’s requirements under California Code of Regulations Title 22 and provides adequate chlorine residual as it traverses the reclaimed water distribution system once discharged from the treatment facilities. Chlorine contact time requirements are established by each facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. The water reclamation treatment process uses approximately 1,661,378 gallons of sodium hypochlorite each year.
The City received two bids for sodium hypochlorite:
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
JCI Jones Torrance, CA $2.30 (2,000-4,999 gal)
$2.10 (5,000 gal)
$250.00/site split (<2,000
gal)
Pioneer Americas, LLC Houston, TX $2.77 (2,000-4,999 gal) $2.52 (5,000 gal)
$75.00/site split del
(<2,000)
JCI Jones is the low bidder for sodium hypochlorite 12.5% for potable water and wastewater treatment processes, and UD requests an annual purchase order for $2,798,000.
Aluminum Sulfate 43.65% (10% Acidified) and 48.5%
The water treatment process uses aluminum sulfate to cause suspended impurities in the water to coagulate into larger particles that can be easily filtered out. This chemical allows the filters to be more efficient. Aluminum Sulfate 43.65% (10% acidified) is used at Lester Water Treatment Plant. Aluminum Sulfate 48.5% is used at Sierra Del Oro Water Treatment Plant.
Aluminum Sulfate 43.65% (10% Acidified)
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Thatcher Henderson, NV $2.54 / gal
Aluminum Sulfate 48.5%
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Thatcher Company Henderson, NV $2.17 / gal
Pacific Star
Chemical
Monrovia, CA $1.98 / gal
$400 ESC per
delivery
Chemtrade
Chemicals
Parsippany, NJ $2.55 / gal
Thatcher Company is the apparent low bidder for Aluminum Sulfate 43.65% (10% Acidified) and UD requests annual purchase orders for $152,000.
Pacific Star Chemical is the apparent low bidder for Aluminum Sulfate 48.5% and UD requests annual purchase orders for $60,000.
Ammonium Hydroxide 19%
Ammonium hydroxide is used for disinfection in the water treatment process. Ammonium hydroxide reacts with sodium hypochlorite to yield chloramines. Chloramines are a stable sanitizing compound that provide long-lasting disinfection throughout the City’s distribution system.
The City received two bids for Ammonium Hydroxide 19%:
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Airgas Specialty
Products, Inc.
Lawrence, GA $5.00 (250-1,999 gal)
$1.433 (2,000-5,000 gal)
Hill Brothers Brea, CA $3.48 (250-1,999 gal)
$1.935 (2,000-5,000 gal)
Airgas Specialty Products, Inc. is the apparent low bidder for Ammonium Hydroxide 19% for the potable water treatment process on basis of gallons (2,000-5,000) ordered per delivery, and UD requests an annual purchase order for $75,000.
Antiscalant
Staff requests that Council reject all bids received for Antiscalant due to unclarity of chemical makeup needed for the Utilities Department’s need. The Department will be bidding this chemical again with specified chemical makeup.
Cationic Polymer and Anionic Polymer (Water Reclamation) Cationic and anionic polymers are crucial components of the flocculation process in wastewater treatment. Cationic polymers are positively charged, while anionic polymers are negatively charged. These molecules attract particles of an opposite charge and allow them to form large clusters or flocs, which are more readily separated and removed by gravity.
Water Reclamation Facility No. 1 (WRF1) uses multiple polymers throughout the treatment process. Separate cationic polymers are used for the secondary settling, sludge thickening, and sludge dewatering processes. One anionic polymer is used for WRF1 chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT).
Cationic Polymer (Centrifuge)
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Aqua Ben
Corporation
Orange, CA $1.44 /lb (Bulk)
$1.51/lb (Totes)
Cationic Polymer (Sludge Thickening)
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Aqua Ben
Corporation
Orange, CA $1.44 /lb (Bulk)
$1.51/lb (Totes)
Cationic Polymer (Secondary Clarification)
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Aqua Ben Corporation Orange, CA $1.11 /lb (Totes)
Anionic Polymer
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Aqua Ben
Corporation
Orange, CA $1.46 /lb (Bulk)
$1.48/lb in (Totes)
Aqua Ben Corporation is the apparent low bidder for cationic polymer (centrifuge), cationic polymer (sludge thickening), cationic polymer (secondary clarification), and anionic polymer. UD requests purchase orders for $856,100.
Cationic Polymer and Anionic Polymer (Potable Water)
The water treatment process uses cationic polymer as a secondary binding agent for the coagulation/flocculation process. The water treatment process uses anionic polymers for settling solids within the gravity thickeners.
The City received one bid for cationic polymer.
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Polydyne Inc. Riceboro, GA $1.10 /lb (500-1,999 gal)
$1.05 /lb (2,000-5,000 gal)
The City received one bid for anionic polymer.
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Aqua Ben
Corporation
Orange, CA $1.77 /lb
Polydyne, Inc. is the apparent low bidder for cationic polymer for the potable water treatment process, and UD requests a purchase order for $230,000.
Aqua Ben Corporation is the apparent low bidder for anionic polymer. UD requests a purchase order for $15,000.
Sodium Hydroxide 25%
Sodium hydroxide is used in the water treatment process to regulate water acidity and to assist in the removal of heavy metals in drinking water. Without the use of sodium hydroxide, the pH of the Desalter effluent would be too low, resulting in infrastructure damage, water quality issues, potential damage to homeowners’ plumbing, and leaching of copper within homes.
The City received four bids for sodium hydroxide 25%.
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Pacific Star Chemical Monrovia, CA $1.32 / gal + $400 ESC, CARB fee, Superfund Charge Tariff
Brenntag Pacific LLC Santa Fe Springs,
CA
$1.627 + CARB fee & Superfund
Tax
JCI Jones Torrance, CA $2.00 / gal
Pacific Star Chemical is the apparent low bidder for Sodium Hydroxide 25% for the potable
water treatment process, and UD requests a purchase order for $100,000.
Sulfuric Acid 93%
Sulfuric Acid is used exclusively at the Temescal Desalter. The Temescal Desalter utilizes reverse osmosis technology to treat groundwater. Sulfuric acid lowers the pH of the influent water from approximately 7.2 to 6.4. Sulfuric acid is a sequestration agent that helps keep minerals in suspension, thereby optimizing the reverse osmosis process by keeping minerals from precipitating onto the membranes. These minerals are most commonly bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and silica. Minerals remain in suspension and flow to the waste stream, where they are rejected into the Inland Empire Brine Line (IEBL).
Without sulfuric acid, the Temescal Desalter would experience much shorter run times between membrane cleanings.
The City received two bids for sulfuric acid.
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
Pacific Star Chemical Monrovia,
CA
$3.27 / gal + $400 ESC
Univar Solutions USA, LLC Kent, WA $3.28 / gal
Based on the number of deliveries and the amount delivered for each delivery, Univar Solutions is the low bidder for Sulfuric Acid 93% for the potable water treatment process, and UD requests a purchase order for $340,000.
Ferric Chloride 40%
Ferric chloride is used to provide chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) by improving coagulation and settling of suspended solids during the primary treatment process. This reduces the biological oxygen demand (BOD) going to the activated sludge process, which increases treatment efficiency and improves overall plant performance.
In addition, Ferric Chloride is used to reduce hydrogen sulfide in the digesters at WRF No. 1, satisfying the City’s permit requirements established by South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Vendor City, State Bid Amount
*Kemira Water Solutions Inc. Lawrence, KS $2.94 / gal
Pencco, Inc San Felipe, TX $3.00 / gal
CA Water Technologies Santa Fe Springs,
CA
$3.12 / gal
*Kemira Water Solutions Inc. was disqualified due to OSHA violations Pennco, Inc. is the apparent low bidder for Ferric Chloride 40% for the water reclamation treatment process. UD requests a purchase order for $154,000.
Sodium Bisulfite 25%
Sodium bisufite is used at WRF No. 1 to dechlorinate treated tertiary effluent prior to discharge to natural receiving waters in order to remove residual chlorine, protect aquatic life, and maintain compliance with NPDES permit requirements.
Vendor City Bid Amount
JCI Jones Torrance, CA $2.00 / gal
Brenntag Santa Fe Springs, CA $2.45 / gal
Thatcher Company Henderson, NV $2.4945 / gal
JCI Jones is the apparent low bidder for Sodium Bisulfite 25% for the water reclamation treatment process. UD requests a purchase order for $63,000.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding for the recommended actions is included in the FY 2027 Utilities Department Operating Budget within Water Utility Fund 570 and Sewer Utility Fund 572. Funding in future fiscal years will be recommended through the budget process.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action involves the purchase of required chemicals for water and wastewater treatment, and there is no possibility that the recommended actions will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
PREPARED BY: AFTAB HUSSAIN, ASSISTANT UTILITIES DIRECTOR REVIEWED BY: TOM MOODY, UTILITIES DIRECTOR