The work on the diving pool's heating system to use heat extraction from the bore baths through the use of PVC pipes had been delayed because the engineering consultant appointed by the Olympic Pool Association did not submit the specified drawings of the design and detailed requirements as requested.

Walgett Shire Council's group manager for infrastructure management John Burden said the consultant, Chris Edwards, had been contacted by council but had since withdrawn from the project.

But as a result council has already spent $48,000 of the $75,000 allocated for the heating project.

Mr Burden also said that the Olympic Pool Association still needed to convince council the proposal for the heating system would work.

He said the PVC pipes purchased to date might be able to be returned to try and recoup some of the lost costs.

Mr Burden said the specifications of the pipes stated they would last for 25 years, but with the hot temperature of 55 degrees Celsius it would have to endure, it is calculated the pipes would only have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

However, some councillors were not happy with the fact that council had spent more than half the costs allocated for the project without checking all the details.

If it is determined that the heating system would work, council would need to fork out another $75,000.

Mr Burden said he believed if the 150mm pipes were changed to 200mm pipes the project would have a higher success rate.

"At the end of the day council needs assurance the the equipment can stand up to scrutiny," Mr Burden said.

Councillor Robert Greenaway suggested council sell the pipes already purchased to the capping the bore scheme to try and regain some money.