NOLA Pump System Faces Expensive Rust Problem As Hurricane Season Begins

The New Orleans City Council is urging the Sewerage and Water Board to determine the extent of the rust problem in the city's pump system.

Hurricane season is underway, and a failure of the aging pumps could result in serious flooding problems.

The Sewerage and Water Board says its current budget can cover the assessments of pump station siphon bells.

But repairs could cost as much as $15 million, and officials with the agency say they don't have the money to pay for them.