高效运转的水泵看起来就像是在浪费能源。需要做一些工作来确定哪些泵效率低下以及原因。最佳方法取决于公用事业的规模及其预算。从设备的现场测试到最佳计算机控制的使用，泵效率低下的问题可以在多个层面上解决，按成本增加的顺序排列。无论采取什么措施，都必须满足相互冲突的目标:必须满足日常和紧急需求；必须保持水质；资本成本必须最小化。考虑到这一点，效率低下有几个原因。作者提出了解决各种问题的建议，从改变压力区边界到避免高峰时段抽水。 除了解决手头的问题外，公用事业公司还可以通过分析其整体系统、测量电线到水的效率，或进行工程经济评估（包括审查能源账单、确定高峰需求期和确定运行点）来着眼于更大的前景。最后，优化研究可能会带来额外的节约。包括7个参考文献、图表。

Pumps that are operating efficiently look just like those that are wasting energy. It takes some work to identify which pumps are inefficient and why. The best approach depends on the size of the utility and its budget. Pump inefficiency can be addressed at several levels that range, in order of increasing cost, from field testing of equipment to the use of optimal computer control. Whatever steps are taken, conflicting goals must be met: everyday and emergency demands must be met; water quality must be maintained; and capital cost must be minimized. With this in mind, there are several causes of inefficiency. The author offers suggestions for solving various problems, from changing pressure-zone boundaries to avoiding peak-hour pumping. In addition to solving problems at hand, utilities can look at the bigger picture by analyzing their overall system, measuring wire-to water efficiency, or conducting an engineering-economic evaluation, which would include reviewing energy bills, identifying peak-demand periods, and determining operating points. Finally, optimization studies may provide added savings. Includes 7 references, figures.