VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The city of Valley City had proof that a higher concentration of Devils Lake water caused the ultra-filtration system at the water treatment plant to work harder and wear out faster.

City Administrator David Schelkoph said the city received funding from the State Water Commission to replace parts associated with treating water coming into the water treatment plant. He said the parts, rated for 20 years lasted only six.

It will be several weeks before the parts arrive and the work is completed. Schelkoph said the estimated cost $515,000 of that the city’s share will be about $75,000 in a 90/10 split with with the State Water Commission picking up the lion share. He said these numbers are estimates and final numbers will be released later.

The State Water Commission’s mitigation plan includes a provision that provides funding to city and county entities if they prove Devils Lake water is causing erosion or costing more for municipalities to treat their water.