Thames Water uses satellites, AI and thousands of acoustic sensors to hunt down leaks as South‑East drought pressure intensifies

• Thames Water has reduced leakage by over 15% since 2019/20 and is currently fixing over 1,000 leaks a week 
• More than 75,000 acoustic sensors are now deployed across the network, up over 257%, from 21,000 in 2025. 
• Satellite technology trial helped identify more than 800 leaks, saving an estimated 8.7 million litres of water a day. 

July 2026 was the driest in England since records began 190 years ago, according to the Met Office, and Thames Water is using AI, satellite data and tens of thousands of acoustic sensors to find and fix leaks faster, as drought conditions and temporary use restrictions put extra pressure on water resources across the region. Long, dry spells can cause the ground to shrink and move, putting additional pressure on underground pipes and increasing the risk of leaks and bursts. Thames Water is currently fixing over 1,000 leaks a week and has reduced leakage across its network by over 15% since 2019/2020. In July this year we found 88% more leaks than in July 2025 . 

Many leaks occur underground and can be challenging to find before the impact becomes significant. The UK’s biggest water company now has over 75,000 acoustic sensors deployed across its network, up from 21,000 in 2025, to help tackle underground leaks. This technology has nearly doubled leak detection accuracy.  

Acoustic sensors listen for the distinctive sound made when pressurised water escapes from a pipe. This sound can travel hundreds of meters, through soil and pipe. The technology helps engineers pinpoint hidden underground leaks before they become more visible or disruptive. 

Thames Water also uses an AI-driven leak detection solution that uses satellite data to identify leaks. The utility company partners with Origin Orbit to detect anomalies in the ground that indicate underground water leaks. Satellites capture data that can identify moisture changes, temperature differences and soil disturbances, all of which are invisible to the human eye. 

 During the initial 19-week trial, Origin Orbit helped Thames Water identify over 800 leaks, saving an estimated 8.7 million litres of water per day, enough to fill more than three Olympic‑sized swimming pools every day. 

Shane Gloster, Head of Leakage at Thames Water, said: 

“Finding and fixing leaks quickly is one of the most important ways we can protect water supplies during prolonged dry weather, alongside asking customers to continue following temporary use restrictions. 

A huge proportion of our leaks are never seen by customers, as they are underground and hard to find. To repair these as quickly as we can, it is vital that we use the latest innovative technology available. 

"Deploying a combination of advanced technologies  gives a faster and more accurate indication of where the network has issues, enabling us to work more efficiently in our pursuit of bringing down water loss." 

Thames Water continues the biggest upgrade to its network too, to future-proof its network. The company recently moved past the 100km milestone of mains pipes replaced since 2025, with the target of 550km by 2030. 

Thames Water Director of Delivery for London Infrastructure Mark Taylor said:  

“The effects of population growth and climate change are putting increased pressure on Thames Water’s ageing water pipes. We are currently carrying out the biggest upgrade to our infrastructure in 150 years, and this work will deliver real benefits for customers – reducing bursts, cutting water loss and helping to lessen disruption from ongoing repairs and maintenance.”