North East-based Origin Tech, an AI and satellite technology specialist, has secured a 13-month contract with Thames Water to help detect and reduce water loss across its network.

The Origin Orbit system uses satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to pinpoint underground leaks within a 30-metre radius, offering a faster and more accurate alternative to traditional detection methods.

Shane Gloster, head of leakage at Thames Water, said: “A huge proportion of our leaks are never seen by customers, as they are underground and hard to find.

“To repair these as quickly as we can, it is vital that we use the latest innovative technology available.

“Partnering with Origin Tech, deploying their satellite data to detect leaks gives us a faster and more accurate indication of where the network has issues, enabling us to work more efficiently in our pursuit of bringing down water loss.”

The partnership, which began in March, builds on a successful 18-week trial that identified more than 800 leaks, saving an estimated 8.7 million litres of water per day.

Thames Water is now the first water company to fully integrate Origin Orbit technology into business-as-usual leakage operations.

Founded in 2019, Origin Tech currently works with 12 UK water companies, helping to prevent more than three billion litres of water leakage across the country.

John Marsden, co-founder of Origin Tech, said: “With one-fifth of all water in the UK being lost through leakage every year, the need for innovative solutions is evident.”

The visit, hosted by 99 Squadron, was part of activities marking the Month of the Military Child, which recognises the ‘resilience, strength and sacrifices’ of children from military families.

During the visit, more than 30 students from RAF families were given an inside look at a C-17 Globemaster, a long-range transport aircraft used in combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

Students explored all areas of the plane, including the cockpit, cargo systems, troop seating, defensive laser technology and even the on-board toilet.

Addison Page, 14, a year 9 student at Carterton Community College whose father serves as an RAF Mover, said: “I did want to be a pilot but I’ve decided to be a civvy truck driver.

“My passion is plane spotting and I’m planning to go to RIAT this year, at RAF Fairford.”

Addison spoke about the growing community of aviation enthusiasts, known as ‘avgeeks,’ at RAF Fairford.

He said: “It’s a total passion of mine.

“You just have to guess which aircraft are going to take off or land.

“You can certainly hear the American B-1s getting ready to fly.”

Brize Norton is the largest Royal Air Force base in the entire UK. It is located near the towns of Carterton and Witney.

It will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at 7pm in the Gallery Room at the Corn Exchange.

The agenda includes the election of the town mayor, deputy mayor, leader, and deputy leader, as well as the appointment of committees, sub-committees, and working parties.

Councillors will also review and adopt standing orders, financial regulations, and the code of conduct.

A public participation session will allow residents to share their views.

The meeting will be broadcast live via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend in person.

Links to the livestream and full agenda are available on the council’s website.

Witney Town Council encourages all residents to get involved and stay informed about local decisions.