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

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

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. 

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.      

Expanding sustainability: SM Foundation's 2nd rainwater harvesting system

Health workers in San Fernando, Cebu Primary Healthcare Facility water the locally sourced plants using the water from the rainwater harvesting system.

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy.

4 ways to collect rainwater at home

The rainy season is here! That means hot drinks, sweater weather, and calming sounds of the rain pit-pattering on your roof. While the current season makes up for the previously hot and humid days, the rainy season is also a reminder that the water falling from the sky is nature’s blessing to the world.

With rain, crops grow, and dry patches of land become moist and nourished once again. Rain also returns water that has evaporated from lakes, rivers, and streams. In many ways, rain gives life and refreshes parts of the Earth. That said, here are four (4) ways to collect rainwater at home and save one of the most important resources we have: 

Create A Rain Garden

The rainy season in the Philippines lasts for several months. Many people take advantage of that by building rain gardens in their backyards. Create your own by finding a low spot in your yard. Clay soil is excellent as it slows down the flow of water. However, you can work with loam soil as long as it can hold water quite well.

Storing water via a rain garden is perfect for keeping your plants watered throughout the dry and humid seasons. Even in the summer, you’ll maintain a green lawn and lively-looking plants.

Use Your Downspout

Downspouts are integral to all households. Whether the house is a traditional Filipino bungalow, or a modern townhouse similar to what Camella Homes Calamba offers, downspouts are house features that help homeowners keep rainwater out of their roof and save it for washing or watering their plants.

Place a large container, such as a water barrel, below your downspout. If your downspout is a little too low to let your water container fit, connect a hose and use that to transport the rainwater to your barrel. You can also use smaller containers and buckets to carry your water. After the rain subsides, you’ll have stored water perfect for cleaning your car or bike, watering your lawn, and washing your walls and roof gutters.

Use Rain Chimes

Do you want to have a water fountain but don’t want to spend a ton on installing one in your garden? Rain chimes are decorative and sustainable alternatives to a water fountain or pond. Hang them below your roof gutter’s spouts and watch the water cascade down the chimes like a waterfall. Place a bucket or barrel below the chime to catch the water.

Install A Water Reservoir

If you’re after reducing a huge amount in your water bills, installing a water catchment system is a worthwhile investment you must make. Having a water reservoir helps you store water that can power your entire home.

A rainwater catchment system comprises a cistern, downpipes, and a large underground tank equipped with filters and pumps. When it rains, the cistern captures the water, then flows through the pipes where the filters sift sediments and debris from entering the main tank. Then, the pumps will push the filtered water through the downpipes leading to your shower, water taps, and toilet.

Installing a rainwater reservoir may be a hefty investment at first. However, you’ll save tons of water and money from your water bill. You’ll also do Mother Nature a favor by conserving water.

Collecting rainwater is a sustainable and affordable way to store water for cleaning or watering your plants. Take note of these four methods and see which ones will work for your home.