Laserfiche WebLink
Electrical Equipment, Hardware, and Related Materials for Garthe Pump Station <br />December 2, 2025 <br />Page 2 <br />5 <br />4 <br />4 <br />6 <br />frequently, and likelihood of complete failure increases. The existing motor control centers <br />(MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), switchgear, and control panels have reached <br />the end of their operational life and are increasingly prone to failure, posing a significant <br />risk to the station’s reliability. Without these upgrades, the City could potentially face <br />service disruptions and reduced system resiliency during peak demand or emergency <br />operating conditions. <br />To address these critical needs, PWA is proceeding with a comprehensive electrical <br />rehabilitation of the John Garthe Pump Station. The project scope includes demolition <br />and removal of the existing, deteriorated electrical system, followed by the installation of <br />new motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), switchgear, and <br />associated control panels. In addition, the work will also include trenching and installation <br />of new underground conduits from the switchgear to the new Southern California Edison <br />(SCE) transformer, as well as reconnection and integration of all existing wiring, control <br />systems and instrumentation with the newly installed electrical equipment, to ensure full <br />operational functionality and compliance with current standards. The project will conclude <br />with testing, commissioning, and coordination with Southern California Edison (SCE) to <br />verify proper operation and system performance prior to final acceptance. <br />Installation of the new system requires electrical hardware and materials to complete the <br />rehabilitation. This includes galvanized rigid steel conduit, PVC-coated rigid steel conduit, <br />wire and cable, stainless steel junction boxes and troughs, conduit fittings and <br />terminations, stainless steel hardware, operator safety devices, and other supporting <br />installation components. Approval of this item will enable the City to obtain the specialized <br />electrical hardware required to complete the rehabilitation of the John Garthe Pump <br />Station. This project will enhance system reliability, reduce maintenance downtime, and <br />extend the operational life of the facility. <br />The electrical rehabilitation work will be performed by PWA in-house staff, who are <br />experienced in managing and implementing electrical and control system improvements <br />at City water facilities. Performing this work with PWA in-house staff is expected to <br />accelerate the construction schedule by approximately six months and may result in cost <br />savings between $500,000 to $700,000 by avoiding contractor labor and overhead <br />expenses that would otherwise be incurred. Construction and equipment installation is <br />scheduled to begin in December 2025, with completion anticipated by April 2026. During <br />construction, there will be no interruption to the water services as a temporary power <br />source will be installed to maintain continuous operation of the booster station while the <br />electrical systems are being replaced and commissioned. This approach ensures <br />uninterrupted water delivery to residents and businesses throughout the rehabilitation <br />period while allowing staff to safely complete the upgrades. <br />Ultimately, these improvements will modernize John Garthe Pump Station’s electrical <br />backbone, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure long-term operational reliability for one <br />of the City’s most vital water assets. This project represents a proactive approach to