MWA Board Approves Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemical Purchases

The Macon Water Authority Board approved bids for six water and wastewater treatment chemicals during its September 3 meeting. Based on projected quantities, the approved unit prices represent an estimated annual cost of approximately $1.49 million.

Treatment chemicals are essential to maintaining water quality, supporting wastewater treatment and meeting regulatory requirements. They also represent a significant recurring operating expense—one that is affected by changing market prices and the amount of water and wastewater treated throughout the year.

The Board approved the following bids:

• Chlorine Liquid from Brenntag Mid-South at $0.81 per pound, with an estimated annual cost of $210,600.

• Sodium Hypochlorite from The Dycho Company, Inc. at $1.72 per gallon, with an estimated annual cost of $490,200.

• Hydrofluosilicic Acid (Fluoride) from Univar Solutions at $6 per gallon, with an estimated annual cost of $162,000.

• Sodium Chlorite Liquid from TSM Enterprises Group at $6.65 per gallon, with an estimated annual cost of $236,075.

• Sodium Bisulfite from PVS Chemical Solutions at $0.193 per pound, with an estimated annual cost of $109,045.

• Aluminum Sulfate from Chemtrade at $1.104 per gallon, with an estimated annual cost of $281,596.50.

Actual expenditures will depend on the quantities used during the contract period.

Historical pricing from fiscal years 2020 through 2025 shows how substantially treatment-chemical costs have changed. During that period, the average price of chlorine tripled from $0.28 to $0.84 per pound. Sodium chlorite increased from $1.66 to $6.04 per gallon—more than three-and-a-half times its FY2020 price.

Sodium hypochlorite rose from $0.99 to $1.90 per gallon, while sodium bisulfite increased from $0.12 to $0.19 per pound. Although prices have risen and fallen during individual years, each of the four chemicals shown in the accompanying graph cost more in FY2025 than it did in FY2020.

These changes demonstrate how the cost of providing reliable water and wastewater service extends beyond visible construction projects. Daily operations also require treatment chemicals, energy, equipment, maintenance and skilled employees. Each is necessary to treat water, protect public health and maintain compliance with water-quality standards.

The recently approved bids reflect MWA’s continued use of competitive purchasing to obtain essential treatment chemicals. The approved chlorine price of $0.81 per pound is slightly below the FY2025 average of $0.84, while the approved sodium hypochlorite price of $1.72 per gallon is below the FY2025 average of $1.90.

By monitoring costs and competitively bidding for essential materials, MWA works to manage operating expenses responsibly while maintaining dependable water and wastewater services for the community.

Media Contact
Rachad Hollis
Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
478-464-5600
rhollis@maconwater.org