smarter water decisions: remote sensing for water quality forecasting
We’re working alongside resource managers to develop an early-warning water quality forecasting system using NASA satellite imagery and machine learning, helping water utilities make data-informed decisions.
what’s around the bend? helping water managers plan ahead
Water utilities across the Western US face challenges managing both the quantity and quality of water for municipal and agricultural use.
We’re using remote sensing (aka satellite imagery), machine learning, and in-stream sensors to build and early-warning system to predict water quality, helping water resource managers navigate potential challenges.
In partnership with Northern Water, and the cities of Fort Collins and Greeley and with funding from NASA, this project supports water systems that serve more than one million residents in Northern Colorado.
real-time water quality forecasting
Our approach combines satellite imagery, in-stream (in-situ) sensor data, and machine learning models to:
Monitor reservoir and watershed conditions in near-real-time
Predict water quality events at seasonal and weekly scales
Translate raw data into decision-ready insights for operators and planners
In the past, water suppliers have faced barriers in using remote sensing data. But this combination of technologies can transform historically complex data into clear, actionable intelligence that can be used to predict issues before they happen.
If water managers have access to this kind of predictive water utility decision support system, they can avoid costly and potentially harmful issues.
radical research for real-world impact
This project is stakeholder-driven, meaning that our real-world partners steer the scope and scale. We’re developing these tools based on their needs and goals. By building tools with water managers instead of just for water managers, we can ensure they’re trusted, transparent, and tailored to real-world operations.
This kind of work requires a lot of iteration and a solid working relationship. We’re lucky to have incredible partners in this work!
interested in similar tools?
If you're a utility, researcher, or regional water manager exploring remote sensing or machine learning for water forecasting, we’d love to connect. Reach out to discuss tools, data, or potential collaborations.