Founded in 2013, Utilis has developed a solution to detect underground treated-water leaks through by using satellite imagery, a technology adapted from academic research designed to look for water on Venus and Mars. Its satellite-based leak detection consists of acquiring images from a low-orbit satellite that revisits the same point on Earth every two weeks. An on-board satellite sends microwaves to Earth at a long wavelength with a parameter sensitive to water. The sensor then records the returning (back scattered) signals. Utilis provides leakage reports to customers every three, four or six months.