Buhler ? Buhler residents are being asked to voluntarily cut back on their use of water.

City leaders say increased water use in July raised concerns that the central Kansas town might exceed its annual water appropriation.

Mayor Daniel Friesen says the town won’t run out of water. But city leaders want to avoid any action by the state if it exceeds its water allocation.

The Hutchinson News reports that continuing drought and extreme heat in July caused water use to increase 18 percent above normal. Projections are that use in August could be up almost 20 percent, approaching 12 million gallons.

Under the voluntary plan, residents are asked to rotate watering lawns, depending on their address. If water use doesn’t decline, a mandatory plan could be implemented.