In 2024, a Dutch sports field stored rainwater beneath artificial turf, cutting surface temperatures by nearly 50% during summer tests

Researchers developed a synthetic turf with a hidden water layer for cooling. This system significantly reduced surface temperatures compared to standard artificial pitches. The technology uses capillary action to draw water up for evaporation. This innovation offers a solution to the health risks posed by hot turf. The system requires sufficient rainfall or supplemental irrigation to function effectively.