In what seems an important advance, and a relatively rare one with UK sports infrastructure, Manchester City has announced that its City Football Academy, home to the club’s 16 training pitches, now irrigates exclusively with rainwater. The facility therefore has zero reliance on external water sources, conserving local water supplies, and reducing the club’s environmental footprint.
Since July 2023, Manchester City said it has saved 80 million litres of clean water, enough to fill over 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools or keep a stadium full of fans hydrated for an entire season.
This has been made possible through investments in advanced rainwater harvesting and smart water management. During peak summer days, each natural grass pitch can require more than 23,000 litres daily.
In partnership with water technology firm Xylem, the club has made important changes to how rain is collected, treated, and reused on-site. “Xylem’s advanced systems provide a reliable, high-quality supply for pitch irrigation, helping the Club thrive while protecting resources for the community.”
Earlier this year, Manchester City began using Xylem Vue, an advanced digital water platform equipped with smart sensors, connected meters, and real-time analytics, to maximize water efficiency.
Manchester City and Xylem have also launched the “Every Drop Counts” campaign, an initiative highlighting the power of innovation in addressing water scarcity. Featuring Manchester City players John Stones, Rico Lewis, and Club captain Bernardo Silva, the campaign “honours the Club’s unique connection to rain and the technologies driving their sustainability mission”.
The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment warns that rising demand and climate change could lead to severe water shortages by mid-century,1 with several regions already experiencing water stress.2
By embracing advanced technologies such as rainwater harvesting and smart water management, says the club, it is not only securing its own future but also supporting the wider community and setting a standard for others to follow suit.
“Achieving full rainwater self-sufficiency for pitch irrigation at our training facilities is a landmark moment for Manchester City,” said Pete Bradshaw, Director of Sustainability at Manchester City.
“Manchester’s rain is part of our heritage, and now, with Xylem’s partnership, it’s continuing. This initiative demonstrates the remarkable outcomes possible when innovation is coupled with purpose.”
Rocio Echeverria, SVP and General Manager, MCS – Water Division at Xylem, added, “Manchester City is leading by example, showing how reimagining water management can transform sports and cities alike. This kind of digital innovation in water is more than a win for football; it’s a playbook for urban resilience in communities everywhere.”
For more information, visit everydropcounts.com.
Notes
[1] CCRA3-Briefing-Water.pdf
[2] Dry weather and drought in England: summary reports – GOV.UK
