Advancing water monitoring with satellite intelligence

To strengthen reservoir monitoring and support data-driven decision-making, Aigües de Manresa partnered with Earthpulse to integrate satellite-based water quality analytics into its operations.

Earthpulse deployed a satellite-based water monitoring system using high-resolution Sentinel-2 imagery from the European Union’s Copernicus programme. By combining Earth Observation data with AI-driven analytics, we transformed raw imagery into structured, actionable water quality indicators. The solution delivers scalable, continuous monitoring to support faster and more informed water management decisions.

Aigües de Manresa is the local water authority responsible for managing water resources in the Manresa region of Catalonia. Supplying drinking water to over 103,000 citizens, the utility must ensure high-quality water while responding to increasing environmental and operational pressures.

To strengthen reservoir monitoring and support data-driven decision-making, Aigües de Manresa partnered with Earthpulse to integrate satellite-based water quality analytics into its operations.

By Josep Renalias - Own work

The challenge

Monitoring water quality in reservoirs is a core responsibility for public authorities and an increasingly complex one.

Climate variability, resource constraints, and operational demands make frequent, large-scale monitoring difficult. Traditional approaches rely on:

• Manual field sampling, which is time-consuming and costly
• Static sensor networks with limited spatial coverage
• Fragmented data workflows that slow response times
• Chlorophyll concentration
• Turbidity levels
• Dissolved organic carbon
• Water extent

These methods limit the ability to monitor water quality consistently across space and time, and to respond quickly to emerging risks.

Aigües de Manresa needed a more scalable, automated solution that deliver reliable insights without increasing operational burden.

Our approach

Earthpulse deployed a satellite-based water monitoring system leveraging data from the European Union’s Copernicus programme, specifically Sentinel-2 imagery.

The system have been used to monitor the Parc de l’Agulla reservoir in Manresa — a 0.64 km² artificial lake with a storage capacity of 200,000 m³.

Copernicus data provides unmatched temporal consistency, wide spatial coverage, and high radiometric reliability making it ideal for water quality monitoring and long-term environmental management.

Turning satellite data into operational insight

The solution integrates advanced algorithms to transform raw satellite imagery into reliable water quality indicators, including:

To ensure high data quality and usability, Earthpulse implemented:

1. Automated cloud filtering using AI (S2Cloudless model)
2. Median filtering and interpolation to clean time-series data
3. Temporal extrapolation to fill data gaps caused by atmospheric interference

Beyond analytics, the system was designed with usability and confidence in mind.

Confidence Layer

Each monitored area includes a clear, colour-coded reliability layer:

• Green: ideal conditions for accurate analysis
• Grey: possible atmospheric interference
• Red: presence of built structures that may skew results
• Over 90% reduction in processing times by focusing only on new incoming data
• Fully automated data acquisition and updates
• Automated quality control processes

Users can view a percentage breakdown of these conditions, giving them clarity on when and where the data can be trusted.

Traceability Analytics

A simple binary “Yes/No” timeline indicates when atmospheric conditions allowed for valid data collection.

This transparency builds trust in satellite-derived insights and allows operators to plan actions with confidence.

Operational efficiency at scale

The system represents a shift from fragmented, reactive monitoring toward continuous, scalable oversight.

Key improvements included: enable of near-real-time access to key indicators that support proactive water governance.

The impact

By leveraging trusted European satellite infrastructure, Earthpulse delivered a scalable and sustainable solution that supports informed decision-making today — and long-term resilience tomorrow.

By integrating satellite intelligence into its workflow, Aigües de Manresa achieved:

1. Faster processing and significantly reduced response times.
2. Advanced filtering and automated quality control increased reliability, while confidence layers made the system accessible to both technical and non-technical users.
3. New spatial and temporal indicators allow authorities to take targeted action during critical events and manage water resources more proactively.

Acknowledgements: Aigües deManresa, Copernicus

Content from: NEREUS (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies)