Tarpon Springs increases actuator contract to address equipment failures at water and wastewater facilities

Tarpon Springs increases actuator contract to address equipment failures at water and wastewater facilitiesThe Board of Commissioners approved a $26,000 funding increase for replacement parts after experiencing higher-than-average failures of aging electronic boards at its reverse osmosis plant.

The single-source contract with Southeast Industrial Sales Company (SISCO) was increased from $24,000 to a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000.

The equipment is essential for operating valves at the city's Reverse Osmosis Water Facility (ROWF) and Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWWTF).

City staff reported an influx of failures at the ROWF, where equipment has operated in harsh environments for over a decade and is reaching the end of its useful life.

The City of Tarpon Springs, Florida, has authorized a funding increase to procure replacement electric actuators and parts for its municipal water and wastewater treatment plants following a surge in equipment failures. During a regular session on August 25, 2026, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $26,000 increase to an existing single-source contract with Bray Sales, Inc., doing business as Southeast Industrial Sales Company (SISCO). The amendment brings the contract's not-to-exceed total to $50,000 through February 19, 2027. According to municipal documents, the electronic actuators are critical components used to open, close, and modulate process valves both remotely and on-site at the city's Reverse Osmosis Water Facility (ROWF) and Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWWTF). The specialized equipment is designed to protect infrastructure by preventing damage caused by valve over-torquing. City staff noted that the utility has experienced an above-average failure rate of electronic boards and devices necessary for valve operation during the current contract year. The failures have primarily occurred at the ROWF, where the actuators have been exposed to harsh operating environments for more than ten years and are now reaching the end of their useful life. The approved funding increase will cover the immediate need for replacement parts and spares. SISCO is the sole authorized representative for the required Emerson Actuation Technologies' Bettis Electric brand components for municipal water and wastewater projects in Florida. The expenditure is fully funded through the city's FY26 Water-Sewer Combination Services budget.