Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said social and community benefits far outweighed the surprisingly minimal water needed to run the facilities.

He said it was important for council to provide the community with as much normality as possible, and the aquatic centres offered endless hours of entertainment for minimal costs.

"The aquatic centres provide numerous social, cultural and health benefits for our community," he said.

"They are particularly needed during the pressures of the drought and especially throughout the warmer months, when residents will be looking for ways to cool down."

Cr Murray said opening the facilities also provided a safe swimming environment.

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"We are very conscious that if the pools are not open, young people and other residents are more likely to choose to swim in natural bodies of water without qualified lifeguards," he said

Cr Murray said a full water audit of Monckton Aquatic Centre and Guyra Swimming Pool was conducted to identify where water can be saved.

Fifteen-second push timer tapware were implemented in all showers at Monckton Aquatic Centre, as well as new water saving tapware and dual-flush toilets.

"Filling and maintaining water levels in the pools is actually not a major water use, relative to our communities total water use, and much of that water can be recycled after the season ends," he said.

"However, there are other water uses at the facilities, such as showers and toilets, where consumption can be curbed without detracting from the social benefits of the facilities."

For more information on the two aquatic centres, including opening hours, visit www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au.

Changes to fees and charges were adopted by council in July.

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