Clearwater approves smart sewer monitoring and materials contracts worth $1.5 million

Clearwater approves smart sewer monitoring and materials contracts worth $1.5 millionThe Florida city authorized agreements for real-time wastewater network monitoring, pipe supplies, and treatment chemicals to support regulatory compliance and service reliability.

Approved a $438,399 contract with Hedronics Inc. (dba Smart Cover Systems) for software and hardware to monitor the wastewater system and prevent sanitary sewer overflows.

Authorized $795,000 in combined annual spending for ductile iron pipes, fittings, and brass valves across multiple vendors to ensure infrastructure connectivity.

Increased the annual purchase order for liquid sodium hypochlorite by $300,000, raising the total to $1.8 million for water and wastewater disinfection.

The Clearwater City Council has approved a series of procurement and service contracts for the Public Utilities Department, focusing on wastewater network intelligence and maintaining the supply chain for critical infrastructure components. The council approved a $438,398.64 agreement with Hedronics Inc., doing business as Smart Cover Systems, for a term beginning February 1, 2026. The contract covers the use of Smart Cover software for online mapping and monitoring, as well as hardware maintenance and warranties. The system utilizes satellite-based communication to provide real-time alerts and analytics, allowing for proactive overflow prevention rather than reactive maintenance. Additionally, the technology is known for its non-invasive installation—requiring no confined space entry—which allows for rapid deployment and generally lower operational costs compared to traditional flow monitoring alternatives. Mike Flanning, the city’s Interim Director of Public Utilities, stated that the system is essential for preventing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). "It helps us prevent the opportunity for wastewater to travel... into homes, into the environment and impact our community," Flanning told the council. In addition to the technology investment, the council authorized significant spending on physical infrastructure materials. This included a cumulative annual not-to-exceed amount of $400,000 for ductile iron pipes and fittings awarded to Core & Main LP and Pasco Pipe Supply Inc. A separate authorization for $395,000 was granted for service brass and brass valves, split among several vendors including Empire Pipe and Supply Co., Ferguson Water Works, and Saline Waterworks. Flanning noted these materials are necessary to connect water lines and meters within the infrastructure. The council also ratified a cost increase for chemical treatment. The existing purchase order with Odyssey Manufacturing Company for liquid sodium hypochlorite was increased by $300,000, bringing the annual not-to-exceed amount to $1.8 million. The amendment also extended the term for 90 days. Flanning emphasized that the bleach supply is critical for meeting regulatory standards at both water and wastewater facilities. During the public comment period, resident Mr. Haluba questioned whether these expenditures were drawn from general tax receipts or enterprise funds, urging clearer disclosure on the agenda. Councilmember Ryan Cotton clarified that the legislative text for the items explicitly listed the funding source as the Clearwater Utility Enterprise Fund.