Manchester City has reached a significant sustainability milestone: City Football Academy, home to the Club’s 16 training pitches, now irrigates exclusively with rainwater. This innovation eliminates reliance on external water sources, conserves local water supplies, and reduces the Club’s environmental footprint.
Since July 2023, Manchester City has saved an impressive 80 million liters 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 leader Xylem, the Club has transformed 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.
“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.”
Manchester City and Xylem celebrate rainwater self-sufficiency at academy
