Some Mission and Abbotsford residents are being advised that the unusual smell coming from their tap water is not a health concern, according to the City of Abbotsford.
The city says the water continues to meet or exceed provincial water-quality standards.
A city spokesperson said the Norrish Water Treatment Plant – which supplies water to many Abbotsford and Mission residents – was taken offline for maintenance on Monday, Aug. 10, and these residents are temporarily receiving their drinking water from the Cannell Lake water supply, said the City of Abbotsford.
The unusual smell is the results of the switch, as Cannell Lake is a natural open water body which algae grows at certain times of the year, according to a water quality information release from the District of Mission on July 2.
“Cannell Lake is experiencing some algae growth which can produce a fishy or metallic type odour. It’s similar to the way in which tea disperses from a teabag in a cup of water,” Mission’s information release said. “This year there has been more algae growth than usual due to the warm days in early May, followed by increased rain.”
The spokesperson said that a carbon water filter can be used to filter water if residents do notice an odour. The City of Abbotsford is expected to be back to its normal water supply by the end of the week.
Residents can contact the District of Mission at 604-820-3761 or pworksadmin@mission.ca with questions regarding any water-quality issues.
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