Abbotsford and Mission mayors appeal for water conservation

ABBOTSFORD — The most obvious sign of the warm fall in the Fraser Valley is the wildfire smoke hanging over the region. But not as visible and perhaps more impactful, is the looming drought.

Water conservation is top of mind for the Abbotsford Mission Water and Sewer Commission (AMWSC) as the region moves to level 5 drought conditions.

“As a City, we can do without a lot of things but water is not one of them,” said City of Abbotsford Mayor, Henry Braun. “We are asking all residents to do their part and cut back on some of their water use to get us all through this prolonged drought.”

According to the AMWSC, October water usage is up more than 15 per cent in Abbotsford and Mission. And now the available water supply is lower than typical for this time of year. In fact, it says, the Norrish Creek watershed is the driest it has been in recorded history.