Holiday seasons often see certain grocery items selling out swiftly, like prime rib and gingerbread cookies. In Libby’s Rosauers, however, bottled water is the top-selling item. The demand surge follows historic flooding that affected Lincoln County, Montana, after severe Pacific Northwest storms. This disaster compromised Libby’s drinking water reservoirs, leading to a boil water order that could last for weeks, local officials report.
Store Manager Bernadette Place notes Rosauers usually sells two to three water pallets weekly. Since the flood, over 50 pallets have been sold, with each pallet containing 84 cases of 24 bottles each. The boil water order impacts more than just water sales. Health officials advise residents to boil tap water for a minute before consumption, which is not always feasible. For example, the store’s coffee maker connects to the building water supply, halting coffee sales. Produce misting systems were also shut down, requiring staff to spray bottled water on fruits and vegetables, affecting freshness and increasing waste.
“You don’t realize how much water you actually go through until you stop and think about it,” Place remarked.
At Diane’s Restaurant, Tammy Brown keeps huge pots of boiled water ready for kitchen uses and buys daily ice and bottled water for beverages. Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company faces similar challenges, as explained by owner Kristin Smith, who said, “It’s definitely cost us money.” Despite initial delays, the brewery resumed beer production after confirming that brewing processes involve boiling and treating water.
With the boil order persisting, Montana covers bottled water costs at a downtown VFW, available each morning. Boyd White, Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency’s head, coordinates recovery efforts and seeks state and federal aid. Although the federal government allocated $5 million post-flood, funds have not reached local communities directly. Boyd is exploring additional support routes, including low-interest loans, for business and individual expenses.
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