CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
April 6, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Chris Diggs, Water Resources Director
SUBJECT: APPROVE A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE WITH KINETIC ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SAND SEPARATORS FOR MULTIPLE CITY WATER WELLS RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
Approve a sole source purchase with Kinetic Energy Systems for the purchase of sand separating equipment for multiple City water wells.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Water Resources Department staff recommends approval of a sole source purchase agreement with Kinetic Energy Systems for specialized sand separation equipment to protect the City water infrastructure. Many of the City’s aging groundwater wells are producing sand, which can damage equipment and impact system reliability.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☒ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $500 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $500 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the proposed action of $170,000 is available within the FY 2025-26 Water Fund budget, FD571, Water Fund | CC8123, Production | Equipment Maintenance and Repair.
DISCUSSION:
Most of the City’s groundwater wells were drilled between 1927 and 1996. Over time, groundwater wells begin to produce sand for various reasons, including aquifer geological changes, deterioration or damage to well screens, corrosion of metal components, and structural failures. Excessive sand in the water system can clog filters, damage pumps and promote bacteria growth. Kinetic Energy Systems offer a product designed to separate and remove sand from well water. These devices are installed at the wellhead to optimize sand removal and minimize negative impacts to the City’s water infrastructure.
Kinetic Energy Systems is the sole provider of this innovative product. City received a letter from Kinetic Energy Systems confirming that this product cannot be obtained from another vendor. In accordance with the City’s Purchasing Ordinance, Section 2-994. - Sole and Single Source Procurement, “A contract may be awarded as a sole or single source without competition upon review and verification, and determined to be in the City’s best interest.” The sole source recommendation comes after months of researching the options available, including discussion with other water utility managers and research of currently available products. The project includes the installation of sand separators at five wells, and the installation of an engineered suction device at Well 16.
Based on research conducted, staff recommends that the City Council approve a sole source purchase agreement with Kinetic Energy Systems for the purchase of sand separating equipment.
Prepared by:
Jose J. Quintero
Jose Quintero
Water Production Supervisor
Attachment No. 1- Lakos Sole Source Letter
Sole Source Purchase with Kinetic Energy Systems