GERING — The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District is suing the North Platte Natural Resources District, saying the NRD is hindering efforts to restore Lake McConaughy’s water level.

The Central District says the NRD’s decision to limit Pumpkin Creek irrigators northwest of the lake to a 12-inch groundwater allocation is inadequate. Central manages irrigation allotments from McConaughy and had urged the NRD to set a 3-inch limit for Pumpkin Creek, which feeds the lake.

Central wants the Scotts Bluff County District Court to disallow the 12-inch limit. It also wants the court to place regulations limiting groundwater pumping to a level that would restore historic surface water flows to the Platte and its tributaries.