Aztec commission approves $190,000 to replace two aging water production pumps

The Aztec City Commission voted unanimously Sept. 23 to approve Special Budget Resolution 2025‑1511, authorizing the purchase of two replacement water production pumps at a stated cost of $190,000.

City staff described the need during the meeting, saying two of the plant’s pumps are either already removed or on the verge of failure and that parts are no longer manufactured for the oldest models. “It was deemed to be so faulty they don't even make the parts for this type of pump anymore,” a city staff member reported, and staff recommended ordering two new pumps so one can be installed if the remaining pump fails.

Officials said the system has five production pumps in total; staff hope to diagnose one marginal unit after a replacement arrives to determine whether it can be salvaged. Staff also noted the replacement pumps will require some refabrication because the inlet and outlet flanges do not match the old units, and that fabrication costs are included in the purchase price.

A commission member asked about lead times; staff said pump delivery that once took as long as three years has improved and manufacturers are now quoting roughly six to eight weeks in many cases.

The motion to approve the resolution passed by a recorded 5‑0 vote. City staff said the procurement is intended to prevent service interruptions and to avoid the higher costs and operational disruption of emergency repairs.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the purchase and schedule installation; the commission did not identify any conditions on the appropriation beyond standard procurement procedures.