Download PDF
The New Mexico Environment Department (“NMED”) issued a January 23rd news release announcing the launch of what it describes as an:
… innovative satellite-based leak detection program.
The program, denominated LeakTracer, is stated to assist rural communities in quickly identifying and repairing leaks in drinking water systems.
The program is stated to constitute a partnership with the following contractors:
The program is stated to use L-band synthetic aperture radar satellite data and artificial intelligence to proactively detect leaks in rural water systems.
Some New Mexico water systems are stated to lose 40% to 70% of treated water is lost, primarily because of aging infrastructure. Further, such leaks are stated to be difficult to locate and repair, especially in small, rural communities with limited staff and financial resources.
New Mexico rural water systems eligible to participate in the program include:
- Systems serving fewer than 20,000 people.
- In good standing with the Rural Infrastructure Loan Program.
Such service is provided at no cost to participating systems. The systems are responsible for repair costs if leaks are identified.
A copy of the news release can be found here.
