Amid the growing global water crisis, part of the solution cannot be found in new outlets at deeper depths up to an altitude of more than 600 kilometers. A satellite system originally designed to search for water on Mars is now headed to Earth to detect moisture in the subsurface and locate invisible leaks in hydraulic regions.
Known as Asterra Recover and of Israeli origin, the technology uses L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites capable of penetrating clouds, vegetation and topsoil to identify moisture anomalies related to potable and residual water leaks.
HASTA 50% AGUA SE PIERDE EN MÉXICO
Specialists estimate that 40 to 50% of drinking water in Mexico is destroyed by cracks in pipes. In the case of illegal immigrants, this number can reach up to 70%.
Underground leaks can remain active for years without being detected, causing millions in lost volume and economic returns.
“The satellite gives us wet points where we can find drinking water. When we come across wet things, not only because of escape, but also because of food and waste,” explains Carolina Villacís Espinoza, CEO of Integrored, a Mexican company that counts on exclusivity to operate this technology in the country from June 2024.
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
The process starts at the satellite scanner. In order to check the complete extension of the territory without discrimination, the system generates specific lines between 100 and 200 meters, called “Points of Interest” (POI), where abnormal humidity is detected.
“At this point you have to look for moisture because something is happening that generates potable water leaks or residual water leaks,” Villacís elaborates.
The footage is processed using AI-adjusted algorithms and analyzed with catastrophic information to determine whether it was a red-handed escape or a stealth escape.
Subsequently, geophonists, specialized technicians who use geophones – acoustic sensors – to detect vibrations in pressure tubes come on board.
“The leak is not visible unless there is a sound very different from the normal flow of water,” explains Mayte González, Field Technician.
According to Alan Boukai, CEO of Asterra, using this technology allows us to instantly detect three more leaks than traditional methods and direct technicians to the exact point where the anomaly exists.
CIVIL RESISTANCE AND RIESTGO ON THE FIELD
Field description considers its potential and addresses social barriers. In states like Guanajuato, where the technology has a greater presence, the technical staff met with many citizens as well as groups associated with illegal immigrants.
“We have a lot to do with citizenship, because there is a paradigm that if you have a doctor, it means robbing yourself of water, when in reality you have to watch your consumption,” says Villacís.
I further recognize that we also encounter a backlash against delinquency dedicated to water robbers.
This scenario shows that the water crisis is not only technical but also cultural and social.
MORE ON TECHNOLOGY: STRUCTURAL NETWORKS
Although satellite technology is improving the accuracy of detection, the underlying problem remains structural: ancient times, failure of preventive maintenance, disorderly urban growth and lack of a culture of water stewardship.
Implementing these systems allows us to restore tailings, reduce economic losses, and combat water pollution, but their effectiveness depends on citizen cooperation and public policies that strengthen hydraulic infrastructure.
How to read Villacís:
“Yes, but there is no water, there are no functioning organisms that do not have water… we are all citizens that we want to feed.”
With information from El Excelsior
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