Submitted By: Laurie Hornberger
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Presentation By: Sean Lanier
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Department: Water & Sewer
FORMAL TITLE:
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Purchase of three TITUS Twister Mixing Aerators with Ozone Enhancement from The Wass Company LLC., with an estimated cost not to exceed $161,479
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Water Resources Department (Department) currently operates and maintains over 145 lift stations for the City of Ocala (City). Due to the City’s varied topography, achieving a fully gravity-based collection system is not feasible. As a result, the lift stations are strategically placed to transport wastewater from the collection system to the treatment facilities. Some of these are designated as master stations, receiving flow from multiple upstream stations. This configuration can lead to odor issues, which often prompt complaints from residents. To address these concerns, the Department employs a range of mitigation strategies, including chemical dosing programs, permanent odor scrubbers, mulch beds, and other available technologies.
In April 2025, the Department received approval to conduct a 30-day trial of a mixing aerator with ozone technology at two of our most critical pump stations. The TITUS Twister Mixing Aerator with Ozone Enhancement offers a chemical-free, safe, and highly effective solution for addressing severe odor issues in wastewater infrastructure.
This system is engineered to deliver ozone directly into the wastewater, targeting hydrogen sulfide gases, bacteria, pathogens, and odors at their source. In addition to odor control, the TITUS Twister enhances mixing, increases dissolved oxygen levels, and mechanically breaks down fats, oils, and grease (FOG), making them more bioavailable. The result is a healthier wastewater environment with measurable reductions or even elimination of odors, corrosion, and FOG accumulation.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The trial resulted in an immediate reduction in odors, decreased matting in the wet well due to improved mixing dynamics (leading to fewer vacuum truck cleanings), and a noticeable decline in FOG accumulation. Based on these successful outcomes, the Department proceeded with the purchase of our first unit for Lift Station 072 on July 31, 2025. Strategic installations in key areas, such as this, will help reduce our dependency on chemical treatments within the collection system, thereby minimizing odor complaints.
Staff wishes to expand the pilot program by permanently installing aerators at two additional lift stations and utilizing a mobile unit on a case-by-case basis at other lift stations. Staff recommends approval of the purchase of three TITUS Twister Mixing Aerator with Ozone Enhancement from The Wass Company LLC. One aerator will be installed at Lift Station 032, another at Lift Station 046, and a mobile unit will be used as needed at various other stations.
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The Wass Company Quote # 25173REV |
$54,190.00 |
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The Wass Company Quote # 25174REV |
$54,190.00 |
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The Wass Company Quote # 25179REV |
$53,099.00 |
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Total |
$161,479.00 |
FISCAL IMPACT:
As part of the Lift Station Improvement Program, funding for these purchases will be allocated from account No. 308-030-483-535-53-46010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
The procurement of these goods and services was conducted in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A. The City’s Standard Purchase Order Terms & Conditions will govern this purchase.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny