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 liters 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.
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.
To celebrate and inspire wider change, Manchester City and Xylem, have launched the “Every Drop Counts” campaign, a dynamic 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 “Every Drop Counts” campaign will engage fans and communities throughout the 2025–26 season, inviting everyone to join the movement for a healthier planet and a stronger future. It’s a celebration of teamwork, ingenuity, and the spirit of Manchester, demonstrating how sports can unite people in protecting what matters most.
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, the Club 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.”
This accomplishment not only reduces municipal water usage but also bolsters water security for the Manchester community and establishes a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in sports.
For more information, visit everydropcounts.com.
