How To Ensure Chemical Metering Systems Are BABA Compliant

Federal infrastructure funding has reshaped how water and wastewater projects are designed, specified, and approved — especially when it comes to chemical metering systems. The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) has introduced strict domestic content requirements that extend far beyond simple country-of-origin labels, fundamentally changing procurement decisions for engineers and project managers. Chemical metering pumps, skid systems, flow meters, and sensors now face heightened scrutiny, with compliance determined at the individual product level rather than across an entire project. This shift has elevated the importance of early planning, documentation, and supplier transparency, while exposing new risks tied to legacy specification practices. The article explores how BABA is influencing system selection, bid development, and project timelines, highlighting why compliance can no longer be treated as an afterthought. It also examines the operational and financial consequences of missteps, from project delays to waiver applications, and reveals why vertically integrated domestic manufacturing has emerged as a strategic advantage. For utilities navigating federally funded projects, understanding BABA’s nuances is now essential to protecting budgets, schedules, and long-term system performance.