DATE: March 3, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Joe Prado, Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: Budget Transfer for a Deionization Water System
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Clerk of the Board to execute Budget Transfer No. 55 transferring FY 2025-26 appropriations in the amount of $30,000 from Account 7295 (Professional & Specialized Services) to Account 8300 (Equipment), Program No. 92094 within the Department of Public Health Org 56201508, for the purchase of a Deionization Water System.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will transfer existing FY 2025-26 appropriations from Org 56201508, Account 7295 to Account 8300 for Program No. 92094 within the Department of Public Health, which will allow for the purchase of a Deionization Water System (DWS) to provide an essential supply of high-purity water that is critical for accurate and reliable laboratory operations. While the laboratory is located within District 3, the scope of laboratory’s function is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended action is not approved, the Department will be unable to purchase the DWS and will be required to continue purchasing distilled water by the gallon.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Approval of the recommended action will transfer $30,000 in existing FY 2025-26 appropriations from Org 56201508, Account 7295 to Org 56201508, Account 8300, Program No. 92094.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of the recommended action will allow the Department to purchase a DWS for the laboratory. This system is essential for providing a continuous supply of high-purity water, which is critical for accurate and reliable laboratory operations.
Deionization removes charged particles such as calcium, sodium, iron, and chlorides found in tap water. These impurities can interfere with chemical reactions, damage equipment, and lead to false positives or negatives in testing. A DWS will support consistent experimental conditions, proper rinsing of glassware, cleaning of equipment, and sensitive analyses such as cell culture testing, ensuring the integrity of diagnostic results for pathogens and chemical contaminants.
Currently, the laboratory relies on purchasing deionized water in plastic containers. Acquiring an in-house DWS will eliminate the need for frequent purchases, reduce plastic waste, and lower long-term operational costs.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Budget Transfer No. 55
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander