Preservation of water is critical for the maintenance of life on Earth. In recent times, the availability of clean water has been under considerable stress due to the effects of climate change, natural disasters, water mismanagement and pollution. These phenomena have brought into focus the need for effective water monitoring and management to ensure accessibility to clean water and sanitation. While this is achievable, it requires the collection, collation and dissemination of complex and varied data in an expeditious yet accurate manner. Existing Earth-based technologies and traditional methods can be useful means of water management, but they are costly and often provide imprecise data. States need to turn to innovative solutions to complement traditional water management systems. Remote sensing through satellite technology is one such solution. It is an accurate and economical means of meteorological observation, detecting natural and human-made pollutants and disaster management. In 1986, the UNGA adopted the Remote Sensing Principles, being the culmination of many years of work undertaken by the Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS. The Remote Sensing Principles set forth a series of propositions that aim to strengthen international cooperation between States in relation to remote sensing, such as data collection, the promotion of the protection of the Earth’s natural environment, the protection of humankind from natural disasters, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. This paper will discuss remote sensing and its place in the management of water, its benefits and the challenges that it may present to States. In that context, consideration will be given to the work of COPUOS and the role that the Remote Sensing Principles, together with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, may play in establishing a framework within which States can cooperate with each other in the conduct of remote sensing to preserve and manage water for current and future generations.