Comment on “A new Digital Harmony Search algorithm for optimizing pump scheduling in water distribution networks” by Francesco De Paola, Francesco Pugliese, Nicola Fontana, Maurizio Giugni

This comment addresses critical issues in De Paola et al. (2025), focusing on (i) the interpretation of pump actuation constraints, (ii) omission of relevant literature, and (iii) feasibility of proposed solutions when validated in EPANET. Evidence shows that the assumptions adopted by De Paola et al. (2025) are inconsistent with Costa (2016) and subsequent clarifications, and that their reported solutions violate hydraulic constraints.