Health advisory issued for municipal water in Libby

Health officials placed a health advisory on Libby’s water supply after an increase in turbidity late last week.

Though short of a boil order, the advisory — issued by the Lincoln County Health Department — encouraged vulnerable people to consider purifying anything coming out of the taps or turning to an alternative source of drinking water. Vulnerable individuals include the immunocompromised, young children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Health officials said city workers were monitoring the situation going into the weekend. Had turbidity further increased, officials would have implemented a boil order for residents hooked up to municipal water.

Residents wanting to check the current water status can call the city at (406)-293-2731. Questions about the advisory should be directed to the county health department at (406)-283-2442.