The Otago Regional Council plans to risk letting one of its Waipori flood pumps go without repair for two years.
The pump at the West Taieri pump station has been found to have a partial failure of its wear ring, resulting in noise and vibration, the engineering and hazards committee was told at its recent meeting.
Environmental engineering and natural hazards director Gavin Palmer said the pump was one of three and the two drainage pumps were new and reliable.
The damaged pump could continue to be operated but with the risk of further damage or failure.
It was planned not to repair the pump, subject to consultation with the West Taieri Drainage Scheme liaison group.
It was earmarked for an upgrade in the 2012-13 financial year, at a cost of $40,000, he said.
While its purpose was to drain flood water, it was also used for everyday drainage work, although the two new pumps were adequate for the job.
If there was a sustained rainstorm in the next two years, it would take longer to drain the water from West Taieri, Dr Palmer said.
