The West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a service provider for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of its recycled water facilities, according to a statement issued by the water district.
West Basin is a wholesale water agency that serves nearly one million people in 17 cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County. The RFP covers five key sites, including the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo and others that are central to the region’s water recycling efforts.
West Basin’s recycled water program plays a crucial role in ensuring local water reliability, producing up to 40 million gallons of recycled water daily for irrigation, industrial use, and groundwater replenishment. This program is particularly significant in reducing dependence on imported water sources from Northern California and the Colorado River, while improving ocean water quality by diverting wastewater from being discharged into the ocean.
The new O&M contract will account for updated conditions like changes in influent water quality and the ageing of the infrastructure. It aims to align with modern contract frameworks that balance risk and reward, ensuring efficiency and long-term success. The contract term is set for five years, with potential for two five-year extensions.
The competitive solicitation process is expected to finish by late winter 2024, with the selected provider starting operations by summer 2025. Board President Desi Alvarez highlighted the importance of a more agile contracting approach, which aims to maximize value and adaptability for the District's future needs.
This competitive process reflects West Basin's commitment to providing a sustainable and reliable water supply for its communities, maintaining its nearly 30-year legacy in water recycling while adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities. Interested parties can find further details about the bidding process and requirements on the West Basin website.
