SM malls turn rainwater into a weapon against drought

32 facilities can hold 87,000 cubic meters of floodwater.

El Niño could bring prolonged dry spells and water shortages, making rainwater recovery an increasingly useful way to conserve supplies. This is why SM Supermalls is investing in systems that collect and treat rainwater for reuse while helping manage excess runoff during heavy rains.

The mall operator currently has 32 rainwater catchment facilities across its properties. Together, these can hold 87,000 cubic meters of floodwater, equivalent to about 35 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The facilities serve two purposes. During the rainy season, they help manage excess runoff, while stored and treated water can support mall operations during dry spells, subject to available supply and treatment capacity.

SM City Baguio offers one example of how the system works. Its Rainwater Treatment Facility uses ozone technology, disinfection, filtration, and reverse osmosis to process collected rainwater. It can provide about 51,000 cubic meters of water annually, equivalent to roughly one-third of the mall’s yearly water consumption.

SM Supermalls also plans to expand its rainwater treatment initiatives in Central Luzon to help communities build resilience against climate-related risks.

The company is also using smart monitoring technologies to track water consumption and detect unusual flows, allowing maintenance teams to identify leaks early and manage demand more efficiently.

Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls vice president for corporate compliance, said the company has pursued resource management initiatives since the 1990s, including efforts to reduce its reliance on local water sources.

By combining rainwater collection, treatment, reuse, and more efficient consumption, the mall operator aims to conserve water for its operations while helping manage flood risks in vulnerable communities.

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