Why is the drinking water in Abbotsford coming out discoloured?

The City of Abbotsford is warning Fraser Valley residents of the possibility that their drinking water may come with an unusual colour and smell for the next few days.

On Monday, the city issued water quality notices for Mission. On Wednesday, it did the same for Abbotsford residents.

“Some residents in Abbotsford may notice temporary discoloration, along with an unusual taste or odour in their drinking water,” the notice said.

“The water remains safe to drink and poses no health risks.”

The city says the smell and colour are caused by sediment flowing from Cannell Lake as the Norrish Creek Water Treatment Plant undergoes regular maintenance.

“The increased flow from Cannell Lake has temporarily stirred up sediment in the transmission main, leading to the discoloration, which may impact residents living central to north of the City limits. Water from this source is regularly sampled and tested, and all samples continue to meet provincial water quality standards.”

Abbotsford Mission Water and Sewer Services says the effects are expected to clear within a matter of days, but using a carbon filter, like a Brita device, may alleviate the worst of it.

Residents who are affected may notify the City of Abbotsford at 604-853-5485 of any water quality issues.