For many reasons, including growth, increasing environmental awareness, and mounting local, state, and federal regulations, managing a water system has become more complex. Having the right tools is essential to properly managing a water system in this environment. An operations optimization system is such a tool that offers water utilities a strategic opportunity to provide the most effective overall management of operations. Implementation of an operations optimization system can be done over time with minimal initial investment. It addresses the entire water system, from the initial raw resource to the customer. Benefits may include lower energy costs for pumping; reduced cost of water supplies; consistent, high-quality water; and, lower capital costs by coordinating operations optimization with water system planning. Includes 5 references, figures.