Water Testing And Laboratory Services (Citywide)

Orange County, California is soliciting water testing and laboratory services for citywide drinking water quality monitoring, with proposals due October 21, 2026. The scope encompasses coliform bacteria detection, chlorine residual, trace metals, organic and inorganic chemicals, disinfection by-products, and color and turbidity testing under Safe Drinking Water Act and California Department of Public Health standards.

Testing parameters include heterotrophic plate counts, ammonia, fluoride, phosphorus, arsenic, iron, manganese, silica, vanadium, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, lead and copper, and inorganic compounds. Testing frequencies vary by parameter, ranging from continuous monitoring to annual, quarterly, and triennial schedules. Lead and copper testing occurs every three years at 40 locations, with sampling scheduled for 2027 and 2030 and city staff responsible for sample collection and laboratory pickup. The contractor must maintain laboratory accreditation and certification as required by state and federal regulations, perform quality assurance and chain-of-custody procedures, manage data systems, calibrate equipment, and adhere to EPA and Standard Methods analytical protocols.

Unit pricing is structured on a per-sample basis with costs varying by test complexity and method, ranging from $2 to $9 per test. The attached fee schedule establishes pricing for individual analytical tests across multiple protocols but does not specify total estimated contract value or contract term. Questions are due by October 21, 2026 (the proposal deadline). The source does not identify an incumbent contractor, renewal options, or a pre-proposal conference date.