The Power of Mindset in Proactive Leak Detection

By Roy Zenou – UK Channel Sales Manager, at ASTERRA

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting and collaborating with the remarkable team at Anglian Water, particularly in their Milton Keynes area of operation. Together, we explored how ASTERRA’s satellite data and Points of Interest (POIs) are reshaping the way we identify invisible leaks. What unfolded was not just a technical review but a masterclass in the power of mindset and teamwork.

One POI stood out—a site hidden deep within dense forest and brush. It was the kind of location traditional methods might have missed entirely. But this team is anything but conventional. Armed with L-Band SAR satellite imagery, provided through our UK partners at SUEZ, they pinpointed the area and rose to the challenge. Clearing vegetation and using their equipment, they confirmed the leak’s presence. The effort was arduous, but the result was undeniable success.

This achievement underscores the dedication and skill of Anglian Water’s leakage teams, and Ian Montgomery, one of three Senior Leakage Technicians under Jim Fraser’s leadership, exemplifies this spirit.

Equally impressive are team members like Jordan Easterbrook and Jake Brackley, who’ve advanced to the Intensive Investigation Team led by Kevin Antonini, and Jacob Goodings, who has also moved forward in his career within Anglian Water. Their collective drive reflects a culture that prioritizes growth, mentorship, and results.

The Milton Keynes team is now training the next generation of technicians to excel in satellite POI work. This commitment to internal development ensures that innovation isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset. Every team member is equipped to tackle challenges and deliver meaningful impact.

This experience is a powerful reminder: while cutting-edge technology like satellite imagery is transformative, it is the people on the ground who bring it to life. Their determination, ingenuity, and grit turn invisible leaks into visible triumphs.

As the water industry navigates mounting challenges, this fusion of technology and mindset will drive progress. Kudos to Anglian Water for setting a standard of excellence and to SUEZ for their partnership in ensuring that, with the right tools and the right people, no leak is truly invisible.

Let’s continue to celebrate the mindset that transforms challenges into achievements—one hidden leak at a time.

“The below picture was taken next to a high-volume leak on a 600mm main in the depths of Woburn forest.

This main is located 3/4 of a kilometre from the nearest road and without the satellite point of interest (which found it with great accuracy) we wouldn’t have been in that area.”

– Ian Montgomery – Sr. Leakage Technician at Anglian Water

 From left to right the technicians are; Jordan Easterbrook, Dean Thomas, Ian Montgomery, Alex Pluckand Jake Brackley of Team MK.

– Woburn forest Satellite POI (point of interest)

– Repair clamp