Northern Ireland Water has issued a preliminary market engagement notice ahead of going out to tender with a contract for satellite imagery leakage detection.

The Request For Information relates specifically to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor (or equivalent) satellite imagery for leakage detection.

As a minimum, the water company wants to hear from contractors who have satellite technology available that can:

• Penetrate the ground
• Find ground saturation
• Differentiate the saturation between treated and untreated water
• Identify Points of Interest for leakage detection.

The RFI is a general market enquiry to identify and engage with suppliers who can supply and deliver satellite imagery leakage detection. NI Water is seeking to assess the interest, capacity and capability of the market in providing this type of service.

Initial contract term is 5 years and current estimated contract dates are 5 January 2026 to 4 January 2028, with a possible further extension option to 4 January 2031.

Interested suppliers are asked to email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it FAO Heather Kyle for further information and a copy of the Request for Information questionnaire.

Current estimated publication date of a formal tender notice is 2 June 2025.