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It’s now safe to use Louisa County water, state officials said Friday.

Residents living around Glen Marye Shopping Center in the town of Louisa had been told to evacuate Thursday night after an unknown gas found in water lines rose to a dangerous level. Authorities allowed residents to return to their homes shortly after midnight.

If they haven’t done so, Louisa County Water Authority customers should thoroughly flush their plumbing before using it again, according to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office. Both hot and cold water taps should run for at least 10-15 minutes, and toilets should be flushed several times. Authorities also advised opening windows and doors to ensure full ventilation of any odors and dumping any ice.

Users should expect some initial discoloration, sediment or odors, but authorities said it should clear up after a few minutes of flushing.

State authorities will continue to test the water system over the weekend to ensure that the contaminant was fully removed. The source and the identity of the gas itself are still unknown.

The gas leak closed Louisa County Public Schools, Louisa County offices and courts on Friday.

For more information, call (540) 967-3496.

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