Using satellite technology to prioritise limited leakage reduction resources

The Manx Utilities Authority in the Isle of Man faces a significant challenge in preserving water reserves due to severe droughts and high water consumption, particularly during the Isle of Man TT races. The small island's water system, serving a population of 85,000, lacks metering and has high system pressure due to its hilly topography. With limited staff and a drive to reduce leakage, the utility is seeking ways to prioritize their leakage reduction activities.

The utility decided to work with SUEZ and ASTERRA. The remote capabilities of satellite technology were particularly appealing as it would identify probable leak locations, thereby minimising field inspection time and maximising the detection of leaks.

Over the course of three months 83% of the POIs (144) were investigated and 113 leaks were found. This resulted in a performance metric of 1.55 leaks found per km and 3.3 leaks found per crew day. 

Between June and August the leakage rate per property was reduced by 5% from 6.2 liters per property per hour to 5.9 liters per property per hour.