New Mexico launches satellite-based leak detection service
Key Highlights
- The New Mexico Environment Department launched a satellite-based water leak detection program.
- The program detect leaks in rural water systems and is free to use for water systems serving fewer than 20,000 people.
The New Mexico Environment Department launched a satellite-based leak detection program for rural communities to quickly identify and repair leaks in drinking water systems.
The program, called LeakTracer, uses L-band synthetic aperture radar satellite data and artificial intelligence to proactively detect leaks in rural water systems. Once identified, on-site crews can quickly make repairs.
Rural water systems serving fewer than 20,000 people and in good standing with the Rural Infrastructure Loan Program are eligible to participate in LeakTracer. The leak detection service is provided at no cost to participating systems. They are responsible only for repair costs if leaks are identified.
In some New Mexico water systems, 40% to 70% of treated water is lost, primarily because of aging infrastructure. These leaks are often difficult to locate and repair, especially in small, rural communities with limited staff and financial resources.
LeakTracer has already proven effective in five New Mexico communities. A pilot program identified more than 78 verified leaks and saved an estimated 345,000 gallons of water per day during the first half of 2025.