(AP) — A new rate structure proposed for Lincoln would require water customers to pay higher rates when drought-driven restrictions arise.

A public hearing on the rates and a vote by the City Council are scheduled for May 13.

The city’s chief water works engineer, Jerry Obrist, says the city remains in severe drought despite the recent rains.

The proposed rates are based on the current rate structure and increase as the severity of drought worsens.

The city says a typical residential customer who uses about 15 units of water during summer would pay about $5 extra each month when the city calls for voluntary watering restrictions.