Leak Detection Program For Roswell, New Mexico

Municipalities often struggle with the "invisible" enemy of aging distribution systems: non-surfacing leaks. Roswell, New Mexico, faces this reality daily, losing an estimated 2.4 million gallons of water every 24 hours from its 400-mile network. Traditional acoustic surveys are time-consuming, but integrating L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) changes the search. This satellite technology identifies underground soil moisture signatures specific to treated water, allowing crews to bypass guesswork and focus on high-probability clusters.

Early data from this proactive approach shows that nearly 60% of utility-side leaks occur at service connections rather than main pipes. By pinpointing these hidden failures, a city can transition from reactive repairs to data-driven capital planning. This methodology not only reduces non-revenue water but also identifies infrastructure segments most in need of replacement, ensuring long-term system viability and financial stability.