Water samples from Flower Creek Reservoir in Libby tested negative for heavy metals, according to the Lincoln County Health Department. <\/p>\n
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality ordered the city to test its municipal water supply after regional flooding damaged the smaller of two dams that maintain the reservoir. \u00a0<\/p>\n
A boil advisory remains in place due to high turbidity, or cloudiness, in the water. \u00a0<\/p>\n
While turbidity is not dangerous in itself, high-turbidity waters are more difficult to filter and are often associated with disease-causing viruses, parasites and bacteria, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The risk can be especially pronounced for infants, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bringing water to a rolling boil kills many of the microorganisms that can cause disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cResidents should plan on the boil order remaining place for some time,\u201d wrote Lincoln County Health Department officials in a Dec. 18 Facebook post.\u00a0<\/p>\n