LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska State Penitentiary has been without water since Tuesday afternoon due to a plumbing issue.

Laura Strimple from the Nebraska Department of Corrections confirms that water was shut off, leaving inmates and staff without access to water via plumbing in the building. 

The lack of water prevents inmates and staff from flushing toilets, drinking water and showering in the penitentiary.

NDCS said inmates were notified in advance and had access to fill up containers of water ahead of time. The agency also said inmates have been given access to portable toilets and that staff is providing inmates with bottled water. Inmates will not have access to showers until water is back on, however.

Among those inspecting the issue at the facility on Wednesday was State Sen. Terrell McKinney, of Omaha, who logged the issues he observed in a social media post.

Strimple said the shutdown is also limiting external mobility for inmates, citing the presence of work crews. But internal movement, including visitation, remains intact, she said. 

NDCS was unable to offer a timetable on when the plumbing issue would be fixed.