MONTPELIER — The city's boil water advisory has been lifted after water samples collected throughout the distribution system tested negative for contamination, city officials announced.

The precautionary advisory, issued Sunday after a pump failure caused a citywide loss of water pressure, was lifted Tuesday in consultation with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. All samples tested by a certified laboratory came back negative and DEQ has authorized the city to end the advisory, officials said.

As a precaution, the city is recommending residents flush their household plumbing to clear out any chlorinated or stagnant water that may have sat in the lines during the advisory. To do so, residents should run each cold water faucet for about five to 10 minutes or until any chlorine odor fades.

The city is also asking residents to discard any ice made during the advisory and make a fresh batch and to flush refrigerator water lines and replace water filters if recommended by the manufacturer.

Officials said the city has temporarily increased chlorine levels in the water system as an added safety measure, and some residents may notice a slight chlorine smell or taste for a short time. That's expected and will fade as the system returns to normal operation, the city said.

Although the advisory has been lifted, the city said it will continue collecting additional water samples over the coming days as a further precaution to ensure the water system remains safe and reliable.

City officials thanked residents for their patience during the advisory. Questions can be directed to Montpelier City Hall at (208) 847-0824.