YMCA Calgary Reduces Water Use
Starting March 9, The City of Calgary will begin reinforcement work on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main for approximately four weeks. During this time, The City of Calgary is asking Calgarians and businesses to use less water, and YMCA Calgary is taking steps to reduce water use in our facilities while minimizing impacts on programs and prioritizing health and safety.
We are asking all facility users to limit showers to under three minutes. Showers are the largest source of water use in our facilities.
We are also implementing water saving measures, including:
- We are reducing the frequency that we are flooding indoor ice rinks where possible and safe, consistent with guidance from The City of Calgary and Hockey Calgary, and in communication with ice rental groups.
- High water use amenities like wave pools, slides, and the FlowRider will only be open during peak times.
- If pools and hot tubs need to be drained, they will not be refilled until after the feeder main reinforcements are complete.
- We are reducing towel laundry by 50%.
- We’re adjusting housekeeping and maintenance to reduce water use wherever possible. You may notice a slight reduction in floor cleaning frequency during less busy times.
Our swimming pools will remain open, and programs including swimming lessons, day camps, gym usage, and ice and facility rentals will not be impacted.
Some visitors may be confused about why indoor pools remain open and why different facilities may have implemented different measures. Modern-day recreation centres have sustainability aspects designed into the buildings and the operations that mean YMCA facilities are highly efficient and use less water than you think! Here are some ways we reduce our water consumption year-round:
- Our LEED Gold certified facilities use recycled water in our operations where possible (e.g. using shower wastewater and pool backwashes to flush toilets).
- Modern swimming pools recycle 100% of their water, through constant filtration and recirculation. The only water they lose is through evaporation, which through proper air temperature and humidity controls, is negligible.
- Our washroom faucets are on sensors to limit waste, and all our showers are low flow (less than 4.5 L/minute vs. typical home shower of 10 L/minute).
You can learn more about the repairs and additional ways that individuals can save water on The City of Calgary’s website: www.calgary.ca/savewater
FAQs
The City has enacted Stage 4 Water Restrictions for outdoor water use such as rinks, snow-making or other large outdoor water usage. Indoor facilities such as pools, rinks and recreation facilities are advised to implement their water reduction plans.
YMCA Calgary is implementing water conservation efforts across all branches. We are reviewing our operations and scheduled maintenance to reduce water consumption starting March 9, 2026 for approximately four weeks or until restrictions are lifted.
Our swimming pools remain open and programs, including swimming lessons, day camps, gym usage, and ice and facility rentals will not be impacted.
We encourage you to download the YMCA Calgary app where we will share updates on any service closures. For general updates regarding the water advisory, you can find the most recent information from the City of Calgary here.