NOTICE OF INTENT TO SINGLE SOURCE ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS DBA E.H. WACHS

Description of Intended Products or Services Provided:

Power valve operators, valve equipment (nut replacers), parts, and maintenance services for this equipment. The valve maintenance equipment is currently installed on the Water, Wastewater, and IQ vehicles to assist Public Utilities team members in conducting work on the potable, wastewater and irrigation quality water systems.

The equipment is utilized as part of the State required valve operation program. Per Florida Administrative Code 62.555 all valves must be exercised annually. The power valve operator is also utilized for scheduled and unscheduled work to turn off service to particular water mains and then reactive the service when the work is completed. The equipment also lessens the potential for employee injuries, if the valves must be operated manually.

The Illinois Tool Works dba E.H. Wachs (E.H. Wachs) powered valve operators automatically exercise the valves to remove build-up, rehabilitating the valves, and extending their life. The equipment improves the crew's productivity since they no longer turn valves by hand and increases safety since the exercisers are accessible from the curbside or rear of the units.

When deposits from water and iron form on a valve, it can make the valve difficult or impossible to operate with hand tools. If a valve has not been exercised regularly, it can require replacement, making it a liability for the water delivery system. If a valve is stuck in the closed position, it can prevent water delivery when necessary, including effecting fire flows.