LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A southern Nebraska natural resources district has banned lawn watering and car washing as water demand peaks in the drought.

Little Blue Natural Resources District says its public water system is in an emergency situation because pumps can’t keep up with demand and water towers can’t be filled.

The district says all nonessential water use should be curtailed.

The water project serves more than 280 tower and business hookups in eastern Thayer County and west and central Jefferson County, including the villages of Gilead and Gladstone.