How New Mexico Is Using Space Tech to Stop Water Loss

A four-year, $1M state deal with ASTERRA uses satellite radar and AI to cut water losses, saving utilities time, money, and roughly 345,000 gallons a day

16 Dec 2025

New Mexico has signed a four-year, roughly $1m agreement with satellite analytics group ASTERRA to expand leak detection across water systems serving cities, towns and rural communities, as utilities face rising pressure to reduce losses from ageing infrastructure.

The state-backed programme aims to move satellite monitoring from small trials into routine water management. Officials say a statewide approach can help utilities that lack the funding or staff to invest in new technology on their own, while addressing water scarcity and rising operating costs.

At the centre of the initiative is ASTERRA’s use of L-band synthetic aperture radar imagery combined with artificial intelligence. The system scans for subtle soil moisture patterns that may indicate underground pipe failures, narrowing the search area before crews are sent to verify and repair leaks.

The technology is designed to complement, not replace, field teams. By prioritising inspections, utilities can focus labour and capital spending where it is most likely to deliver results, reducing time and cost.

A pilot phase identified leaks linked to an estimated 345,000 gallons of water loss a day, according to the state. Similar tools used elsewhere have helped utilities cut so-called non-revenue water , water that is produced but not billed and better target maintenance budgets.

The benefits are expected to be most significant for smaller systems, where even modest efficiency gains can improve finances and long-term water security. New Mexico’s involvement at the state level is intended to help standardise access and encourage wider adoption.

Industry analysts view the partnership as part of a broader shift towards data-led infrastructure management, as utilities are asked to do more with fewer resources. State support lowers the barrier to entry and turns emerging tools into practical options.

Challenges remain. Satellite findings still require on-the-ground confirmation, and utilities must develop confidence in how data is shared and applied. Even so, the programme offers a model for pairing public oversight with private technology to move utilities from reactive repairs towards earlier intervention.