Manx Utilities 2024 Case Study: Achieving a 5% Reduction in Water Leakage with Satellite TechnologyThe Manx Utilities Authority on the Isle of M...

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Manx Utilities 2024 Case Study: Achieving a 5% Reduction in Water Leakage with Satellite Technology

The Manx Utilities Authority on the Isle of Man achieved a significant milestone in water management by reducing its leakage rate by 5% in just three months. This achievement was made possible through the innovative use of satellite-based leak detection technology, implemented in partnership with SUEZ and ASTERRA. Faced with severe droughts, high water demand, and limited manpower, the utility turned to advanced technology to optimise its resources and address its water loss challenges.

The Isle of Man’s water system faces unique pressures. Residents consume the highest per capita water in the UK, averaging 370 litres per person per day, with demand surging during the Isle of Man TT races, which bring an additional 43,000 visitors to the island. The water distribution network spans 1,800 km of mains, divided into 74 District Metered Areas (DMAs), serving a population of 85,000. However, the system operates without metering, and its hilly topography results in high average system pressure (5.7 Bar), contributing to significant water loss. Non-revenue water (NRW) was estimated at 7.14 million litres per day, with an average daily water production of 30 million litres.

Compounding these challenges, the utility had only one engineer and two technicians available to address leakage issues. With limited manpower, prioritising leakage reduction activities became critical. To address this, Manx Utilities partnered with SUEZ to implement ASTERRA’s satellite-based leak detection services. This innovative technology uses satellite imagery to detect underground leaks without requiring ground-based equipment, offering a scalable and efficient solution.

The satellite technology provided several key advantages. It allowed the utility to survey the entire network for leaks at scale, without the need for invasive ground installations. The technology is pipe material agnostic, capable of detecting leaks across trunk mains, service pipes, and customer-side connections. By identifying probable leak locations, it significantly reduced the time and effort required for field inspections, enabling the small team to focus on high-priority areas.

Over the course of three months, the satellite technology identified 144 Points of Interest (POIs) for potential leaks. Field crews investigated 83% of these POIs, leading to the detection and repair of 113 leaks. This resulted in a performance metric of 1.55 leaks found per kilometre surveyed and 3.3 leaks found per crew day. Ten of the detected leaks were classified as significant in size. Most importantly, the initiative achieved a 5% reduction in the leakage rate per property, decreasing from 6.2 litres per property per hour to 5.9 litres per property per hour.

This 5% reduction underscores the transformative potential of satellite technology in water management. Unlike traditional methods, satellite-based leak detection allows utilities to survey entire networks efficiently and non-invasively. The technology can detect leaks that might otherwise remain hidden for years, providing a level of precision and insight that optimises resource allocation.

In conclusion, the partnership between Manx Utilities, SUEZ, and ASTERRA demonstrates how innovative technology can address pressing water management challenges. By leveraging satellite-based leak detection, the utility was able to overcome its resource constraints, reduce water loss, and make meaningful progress in preserving its water supply. This case study serves as a model for other utilities, showcasing how advanced technologies can drive efficiency and sustainability in water management.

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