What does an increasing vacuum reading without increased flow indicate?

An increasing vacuum reading without an increase in flow suggests that there is an obstruction, such as a blockage developing in the strainer. This occurs because as the blockage restricts the flow of water, the pump must work harder to pull water through the strainer, which leads to an increase in the vacuum reading. A stable operation would indicate consistent vacuum levels with expected flow rates, which does not apply here. Similarly, a need for more water supply would not cause an increasing vacuum reading without increased flow, as this scenario implies the water source is limited. A malfunctioning pump could cause irregular behaviors, but the specific symptoms described do not directly pinpoint pump failure, as the reading increase is directly tied to flow resistance from a developing blockage in this context.