The Minnesota Twins unveiled the first sustainable field-irrigation system, as the team announced in conjunction with Pentair a custom-designed Rain Water Recycle System (RWRS) that will capture, conserve and reuse rain water at Target Field. Pentair’s RWRS is estimated to reduce the need for municipal water at Target Field by over 50 percent, helping the ballpark to qualify for LEED certification and saving more than 2 million gallons of water annually.

Under a multiyear sponsorship agreement arranged by GreenMark, Pentair will be “The Official Sustainable Water Provider” for the Minnesota Twins organization and Target Field. Pentair technology will purify rain water to a level equal to or better than municipal tap water standards. The system is designed to allow the Minnesota Twins to recycle and conserve water used to wash down the lower decks of the stadium and irrigate the ball field. Additionally, Pentair’s Everpure tap water filtration systems will be installed in each Target Field suite, as well as in administrative offices and training rooms, to enhance water quality and reduce the use of plastic bottled drinking water.

“Water is a leading global environmental issue but has received only limited attention in sports. Today, the Minnesota Twins are proud to introduce a new environmental standard in sports that moves beyond waste and clean energy solutions to address water scarcity and quality, some of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time,” said Twins President Dave St. Peter.

The Minnesota Twins and Pentair will raise awareness among fans of Major League Baseball and the general public about the issues of water scarcity and quality. A variety of water-related educational opportunities will be used at the new ballpark to elevate the public’s understanding of water stewardship.

“We are pleased to partner with the Minnesota Twins and offer our hometown team a sustainable water solution that is a first in the nation, at any sports venue,” said Randall J. Hogan, Pentair chairman and chief executive officer. “We hope to create awareness of water quality and scarcity issues, and educate the public about conservation and available technologies.”

The Twins will have the most advanced water-management system in pro sports. Other teams have installed water-filtration systems; for example, the Washington Nationals installed a cistern-based water-filtration system that takes pollutants out of ballpark runoff.

Photo of Target Field by Jim Robins.