Water samples from Flower Creek Reservoir in Libby tested negative for heavy metals, according to the Lincoln County Health Department.

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.  

A boil advisory remains in place due to high turbidity, or cloudiness, in the water.  

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. 

Bringing water to a rolling boil kills many of the microorganisms that can cause disease. 

“Residents should plan on the boil order remaining place for some time,” wrote Lincoln County Health Department officials in a Dec. 18 Facebook post. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected].