One Year On: The Story of POI 33197 and the Team Behind Its Success

One year ago, exactly, a single data point from space sparked a remarkable journey of discovery, challenge, and resolution in Anglian Water’s network. POI (Point of Interest) 33197—a piece of intelligence derived from ASTERRA’s cutting-edge satellite technology—marked the beginning of an effort that not only resolved a critical issue but also redefined how we approach leak detection in the modern era.

This effort was made possible through a close partnership with SUEZ, whose collaboration brought ASTERRA’s innovative technology to Anglian Water Services. The partnership underscores a critical truth about solving complex problems: no single organization can do it alone. It takes a coalition of expertise, innovation, and operational know-how to transform insights into action.

“Initial overnight correlations across POI 33197 – clearly a strong indication that the satellite data was on point” – Jim Fraser, Leakage Delivery Support Manager at Anglian Water

The location itself presented an enigma: no visible signs of leakage, a trunk main thought to be secure, and a mapping system indicating the main’s position 30 meters away from reality. It was the kind of problem that could have been overlooked entirely had it not been for a satellite’s insight.

Acting on this intelligence, Anglian Water’s team launched a meticulous investigation, revealing not only numerous bursts on the main in the area the satellite had indicated, but also two customer-side leaks—one of which was losing 1.35l/sec.

This journey underscores more than just the capabilities of satellite technology; it reflects the synergy between innovation and human effort. The success of POI 33197 was not achieved in isolation. It required the skill, perseverance, and resourcefulness of the Anglian Water Services team, including the exceptional contributions of Jordan Easterbrook and Jake Brackley. Colette Stocks and Brianika Hewitt also played pivotal roles, bringing their expertise and dedication to the table. Their involvement in managing stakeholder communications and operational coordination ensured that no detail was overlooked, and every challenge was met with a solution-focused approach.

SUEZ UK played a crucial role as a trusted partner, enabling the seamless application of ASTERRA’s satellite-driven insights. Their experience in water management ensured that the technology could be effectively integrated into Anglian Water’s existing processes, helping to overcome operational challenges. Difficult terrain and the logistical intricacies of coordinating across stakeholders were surmounted through this collaborative approach.

By August, the team had rerouted pipes, logged and quantified flow data, and engaged with affected customers—all while maintaining a commitment to transparency and efficiency. The result? A delighted customer, improved water pressure, and an impactful story that showcases how intelligence lead data can lead to action.

What makes this case particularly compelling is its global resonance. The issue of inaccurate mapping is not unique to any one water supply company: it’s a challenge faced by utilities worldwide. Satellite technology, combined with AI-driven analysis, is enabling utilities to rethink how they manage aging infrastructure and tackle water loss. This case stands as a testament to how technology, backed by partnerships like that of SUEZ and ASTERRA, can empower utilities to solve complex problems with precision and foresight.

For ASTERRA, Anglian Water, and SUEZ, POI 33197 is more than a successful project; it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity come together. This project serves as a clear example of the scale, complexity, and success that collaborative leak detection efforts can achieve.

Coupled with the recent launch of ASTERRA’s EO Discover 2.0, this story showcases how satellite-powered insights are transforming infrastructure monitoring. With its interactive workspace and personalized tools, the platform empowers utilities to reduce NRW, enhance performance, and make smarter decisions.

None of this would be possible without the incredible collaboration between Anglian Water’s leakage teams and our partners at SUEZ, led by Nick Haskins, Emma Lean , and Jason Griffin. Their dedication continues to inspire, proving that when expertise and innovation converge, remarkable things happen – and the reason I love what I do.

By Roy Zenou, Account Manager at ASTERRA