The Portland Water District is seeking a 6.6 percent rate hike to make up for growing expenses and declining water usage.

Without the increase, the district projects a $1.6 million shortfall in 2009. Water use, mainly among large industrial users, has declined due to water conservation measures and general economic conditions.

A public hearing is set for 6 p.m. Monday at 225 Douglass St. in Portland.

The typical residential customer's monthly water bill would increase as much as $1.40, to $21.40. That would be roughly the same price paid for water in 1999, prior to two rate cuts.

Although nearly $1 million was stripped from initial budget requests, a rate increase is still needed to maintain vital services, the district said. Some of those reductions included eliminating eight positions, reducing the fleet size, switching to lower-cost chemicals, and deferring hydrant painting.

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