Satellite AI Technology Helps Reduce Water Leaks

Thames Water has partnered with Origin Tech to reduce water leaks using AI and satellite technology. The company believes the system could stop up to 100 million litres of water from leaking every day.

The satellites scan the ground for moisture and movement. This helps teams locate underground leaks that people cannot easily see. According to Origin Tech co-founder John Marsden, satellites pass over Swindon about every six days. They then create maps showing possible leak locations.

AI Detects Leaks Faster Than Traditional Methods

Marsden said the technology finds hidden leaks at least five times faster than workers searching manually. The AI system quickly analyzes satellite data and marks suspicious areas on a digital map.

Thames Water staff then inspect the locations and repair damaged pipes. Marsden explained that the process improves traditional leak detection methods with modern technology.

The two companies plan to continue working together for 13 months after a successful trial.

Trial Saved Millions of Litres of Water

During the trial, the technology helped teams find around 800 leaks across the Thames Water network. The company said the repairs saved about 8.7 million litres of water each day. That amount could fill more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools daily.

Some leaks released more than 10 litres of water every second. Thames Water said fixing those leaks saved enough water to fill a bath every eight seconds.

Shane Gloster said many leaks stay hidden because they happen underground. He added that satellite technology helps teams find problems faster and reduce water waste more effectively.