Satellite Leak Detection (Remote Sensing)

How Satellite Leak Detection (Remote Sensing) Works

Satellite leak detection uses advanced remote sensing technology to identify underground water leaks across large geographic areas. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites scan the earth's surface and detect minute changes in soil moisture content, vegetation stress patterns, and ground surface deformation that indicate underground water leaks. The satellite imagery is processed using proprietary algorithms that identify leak signatures — areas where escaping water has altered the surface characteristics. This technology can survey hundreds of kilometres of pipeline network in a single pass, providing a cost-effective screening tool for municipalities before deploying ground-based detection crews for confirmation. While satellite detection does not provide the precise location needed for excavation, it identifies suspect zones that can be efficiently investigated with acoustic methods.

Applications in BC

• Municipal water network-wide leak screening across large service areas
• Transmission pipeline corridor leak surveillance
• Rural water system leak identification across dispersed networks
• Irrigation district water loss assessment
• Pre-acoustic survey network prioritization for water utilities