An evaluation of pumping alternatives was performed in support of remedial action planning for a groundwater cleanup in California. The cleanup was to remedy impacts to a water supply wellfield by a groundwater plume. The evaluation focused on assessing operational requirements for the wellfield in order to (1) accomplish groundwater plume containment and (2) meet water supply demands after treatment. Given the range of interests and perspectives represented by the various project stakeholders, it was clear that additional assessment would likely be required before the final details of the remedial action were agreed upon. Use of a streamlined and rapidly reproducible approach was key to reducing time requirements and successful evaluation of the pumping alternatives. This paper summarizes the results of applying mixed-integer linear programming techniques to the evaluation of pumping alternatives. The benefits and potential pitfalls of using optimization techniques in consulting work are also highlighted.