Affinity Water Uses Satellite Intelligence to Accelerate Leak Detection

To meet AMP8 leakage reduction targets, Affinity Water needed a more efficient way to find hidden, non-surfacing leaks across its network. Traditional acoustic methods remain essential for confirming leaks, but investigating large areas without prioritisation can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Affinity Water partnered with SUEZ and ASTERRA to deploy ASTERRA Recover, using L-band SAR satellite technology to screen 9,045 km of distribution network across five survey areas. The technology identifies subsurface moisture anomalies at pipe depth, helping pinpoint likely leak locations before visible signs appear.

 

ASTERRA delivered 763 prioritised leak locations, enabling field crews to focus investigations on the highest-probability areas and use acoustic methods to confirm and locate leaks accurately.

The programme demonstrated the value of combining satellite intelligence with targeted field investigations:

• 902 leaks identified
• 1.26 billion litres of water recovered annually
• Less than 4% of the network walked by field crews
• 7.2 leaks found per crew day, compared with an industry benchmark of 1.3
• 59% of confirmed leaks were non-surfacing
• £2.06 million in combined water and energy savings
• 536.6 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided annually
  

 

By directing crews to the areas most likely to contain leaks, Affinity Water significantly improved detection efficiency, reduced water loss and delivered measurable operational, financial and environmental benefits.