Atlanta City Council members will hold a public hearing Wednesday evening on a proposed 15 percent rate increase for most water customers.

The increase would apply to customers who use more than 3,000 gallons of water a month, said Janet Ward, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Watershed Management.

Atlanta water customers use a monthly average of 6,000 gallons, Ward said.

Water usage has decreased in recent months as many homeowners and businesses have heeded the city's call to cut back because of the drought.

The drop is water use, however, has created a problem. Atlanta is collecting less money for water service, and city officials say they need more money to complete $3.9 billion in improvements to the water and sewer system.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers, 55 Mitchell St.