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8 Mr. Frederick said there was a reduction in water demand in 2002, a peak in 2006, and a decline since 2006. Dr. Brown asked if a summary could be done of why there has been a reduction in demand. Mr. Frederick said he can give a hypothesis. Responding to a question from Mr. Norris about the current water usage versus what was projected eight years ago, Ms. Lauren Hildebrand, Director of Utilities, said she does not know. Mr. Norris said he believes usage is 25% to 28% less. He said he is not comfortable supporting a long-term strategy with numbers that far off from the projections. He said that is fundamental to making a decision. Ms. Szakos suggested phasing the dam and dealing with the safety issues. She asked if one could just change the base line of the demand analysis, and Mr. Frederick said that method can be done. Dr. Brown noted that it was recently brought up at the Sustainability Committee that our population could increase significantly if sea levels rise in Tidewater, which is another aspect to the issue. Mr. Huja said you can get any projection you want depending on the method. He said we need long-term data. Mr. Norris asked if we want to wait for numbers on the demand or expedite that. Ms. Szakos said she is not sure she wants to spend lots of money on a consultant. She said she thinks there are things we can do. Mr. Huja said he is not keen on doing more studies and paying for them, and is not sure other partners will agree with it. Dr. Brown said he does not think Council should draw a line on a chart, and while he is not sure he would support it, it would be better to spend money on a study. Ms. Edwards asked if staff could do it time wise, could they do such a study, and Mr. Frederick said expertise is needed that staff does not have. He also noted that it takes administrative work to manage contracts for these studies. Ms. Edwards said we have come this far and if it is another part of the puzzle, she would not have an issue with it. Mr. Norris said he would like to see us move forward. He said a firm recently did such a study for Stafford County. He said it would be good to have an objective third party involved. Mr. Huja said the cost should be shared with Albemarle County. Mr. Norris said Rivanna is sitting on reserves and that would be one logical place to go to fund a study. He said he just wants to get it done. Ms. Szakos said that in principle she wants to see a study, but is very concerned about the cost. Mr. Huja said we have a joint system, and if we do the study, he is not sure how it will be received. He said he is not prepared to approve a study tonight.