The Waitaki District Council's "best estimate" covers damage caused by heavy rain during the end of May, followed by lesser rain over Queen's Birthday Weekend which, because of saturated ground, closed more roads, some of which had already been repaired after the first event.
The council's roading assets manager, Geoff Young, said yesterday an assessment had been made of the cost of flood damage, including temporary repairs to quickly open roads and more permanent repairs.
At the peak of flooding in May, the council had more than 120 road closures in place.
By late yesterday, it was expected only three would remain - roads which had suffered major damage.
They were Kakanui Valley Rd, where the approach to the Kauru River bridge had been eroded; Island Stream Rd, because of an impassable bridge; and Noons Rd, from the intersection with Taieri Peak Rd to the end of the road.
Waianakarua Rd, where a cliff face slumped next to the Waianakarua River, was being repaired yesterday and is expected to open today.
Mr Young said the district had been divided into six sections and every road inspected, damage assessed and a "best estimate" made of the cost of repairs.
Those costs would qualify for a New Zealand Transport Agency subsidy, which could be about 65%.
The council's portion of the cost would be met from its disaster fund, at present about $3.3 million.
However, the council had a policy that any money used from the fund had to be replaced in the next financial year.
In contrast to roads, the council's sewage treatment plants and 23 rural water schemes escaped relatively lightly.
Water and wastewater assets manager Martin Pacey said the biggest single case of damage was to the oxidation ponds at the Weston wastewater treatment plant which would cost about $5000 to repair.
Landslips and slumping had resulted in broken pipes on some schemes and he estimated repairs could cost 5000 to $10,000.
Increased monitoring of supplies after pumps were switched back on, along with costs to shut down and reopen supplies, would also have to be added.
During flooding, the council switches off schemes to prevent contaminated and discoloured water entering schemes, major damage to intakes and pumps from silt and shingle.
