Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a professional service provider responsible for collecting and analyzing water samples from all identified water supply systems within the uMgungundlovu District Municipality over a three-year period. The service aims to ensure water quality monitoring in compliance with relevant standards, including SANS 241: Drinking Water, and to provide accurate data interpretation, reporting, and monitoring services to safeguard public health and water quality standards.

Scope

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Sampling and analysis of water from multiple designated points across various municipalities within the district, including rural and urban terrains.
• Collection of samples within specified turnaround times, e.g., within 2 hours for samples from Pietermaritzburg.
• Analysis of a comprehensive list of determinants such as chlorine, pH, turbidity, E.coli, heavy metals, organic compounds, protozoan parasites, and other relevant water quality parameters.
• Preparation of water quality compliance reports categorized into operational, aesthetic, and health limits.
• Provision of data interpretation, reporting, and monitoring services based on the collected data.
• Sampling at numerous specific points listed in the tender, with flexibility for addition or reduction as required.
• Adherence to turnaround times for various determinants, ranging from 1 to 5 working days depending on the parameter.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Experience in water quality monitoring and analysis, with a minimum of one recent project valued at R300,000 within the past five years.
• Provision of qualified scientists with relevant qualifications, skills, and registration with professional bodies.
• Use of SANAS-accredited laboratories capable of analyzing a minimum of 40 determinants, with relevant ISO certifications (ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 17025:2005).
• Implementation of a comprehensive sampling plan covering multiple designated points across different municipalities.
• Provision of detailed water quality reports, including operational, aesthetic, and health limits, with clear categorization.
• Adherence to specified turnaround times for each parameter.
• Compliance with all relevant national and municipal regulations, including the Water Services Act and SANS standards.

Skills Requirements

The tender requires bidders to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in water quality sampling, analysis, and reporting.
• Qualified scientific personnel with relevant degrees and professional registration.
• Technical expertise in operating SANAS-accredited laboratories and performing complex analyses.
• Ability to interpret water quality data accurately and produce comprehensive reports.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards, and best practices in water quality monitoring.
• Capacity to manage multiple sampling points and deliver timely results.
• Experience in working with municipal and government entities, with references to similar projects.