Satellites to Spot Hidden UK Water Leaks in £1.2M Deal

SUEZ, ASTERRA, and United Utilities expand satellite leak detection after trials in Tameside and the Wirral

5 Aug 2025

The UK's effort to reduce water loss is set to accelerate as SUEZ and ASTERRA partner with United Utilities in a publicly documented £1.2 million contract. Awarded on 24 July 2025 and listed on Find a Tender, the agreement runs from 15 August 2025 to 14 February 2026.

The deal follows a pilot program in Tameside and the Wirral during 2024 to 2025, where satellite technology proved effective at detecting leaks more quickly than conventional surveys. Ground teams using listening devices and inspections often struggle with leaks hidden deep underground or masked by urban noise. Satellites, by contrast, can scan thousands of square kilometers in a single pass, narrowing down the areas where leaks are most likely.

United Utilities has already credited the approach with revealing leaks that might otherwise have gone unnoticed for months. SUEZ has described the results as highly promising, while ASTERRA points to the benefits of faster detection with less disruption for communities. "Utilities need tools that can match the scale of the challenge," an ASTERRA spokesperson said.

The shift reflects growing regulatory and environmental pressures. Ofwat has called for leakage reductions of about 15 percent in the coming years, a target that will require utilities to adopt new methods. Satellite-based detection is increasingly viewed as one of the most practical tools available.

There are still hurdles to overcome. Every satellite finding must be validated on the ground, and utilities will need to weigh whether outsourcing remains cost-effective compared with developing their own in-house systems. Still, momentum is building. What began as a regional trial is now being scaled up as part of mainstream operations.

For the UK water sector, this contract signals a broader move toward innovation as utilities adapt to climate change, regulatory demands, and rising customer expectations. If the model proves successful, it may provide a template for adoption across Europe, reshaping how utilities confront the persistent challenge of leakage.