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SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023. In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.

𝑆𝑀 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐵𝑎𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑜’𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 17,000 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑖𝑐 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟.

SM City Baguio’s groundbreaking rainwater treatment facility has treated over 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into drinkable water.

This initiative supplements the mall’s water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city’s water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.

“There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “And SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources.”

The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑅𝑇𝐹) 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑀 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐵𝑎𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑜 𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑥-𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑝 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙-𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑑ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠.

The rainwater treatment facility (RTF) of SM City Baguio utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process with real-time monitoring, ensuring processed water always adheres to potability requirements.

“This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. “By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city’s water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City.”

The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city’s water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city.

SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

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