Cannell Lake will be Mission's main water source until the water supply pipe at Norrish Creek is repaired.
The pipe, which runs along the Forest Service Road about three kilometres below the water treatment plant, was damaged last Wednesday when a slide, covering about 300 metres, hit the area dropping rock and debris.
It will take close to a month to fix, said Mission Mayor Ted Adlem, noting geotechnical engineers will be called in to assess the stability of the slope before any work can be done.
The slide wasn't the result of the creek overflowing due to heavy rains; it was because a rock face gave way, Adlem explained.
The pipe was damaged because it was exposed, and to prevent a similar problem in the future, staff will recommend burying the new one.
While the repairs are happening, Mission and Abbotsford residents, who share the water system, do not need to worry about water supply, said the mayor.
Mission will use Cannell Lake and Abbotsford has enough water in wells to supply the demand this time of year. Cannell Lake and the well system are capable of moving about 90 to 100 million litres a day (MLD) of water, but could support a higher peak level for a few days. This year's peak use was 103 MLD in July, and October is currently averaging a usage of about 65 MLD a day, with peak days not reaching much higher than that.
"We will not have a shortage of drinking water," said Adlem. "People should not be concerned about water levels."
Local officials are working with the ministry of environment, Emergency Management BC and geotechnical consultants to address the problems. The Forest Service Road remains closed to all foot and vehicle traffic until further notice.