Rochester – New York – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Rochester Water Bureau provides exceptional water services to approximately 210,000 residents throughout the greater Rochester metropolitan area, including partnerships with surrounding communities like Livingston County, Monroe County Water Authority, and the Villages of Lima. Since 1876, Rochester has built its reputation around pristine water quality, sourced primarily from the protected Hemlock and Canadice Lakes located 28 miles south of the city in the Finger Lakes region. The system encompasses over 600 miles of water distribution lines, multiple treatment facilities, and comprehensive infrastructure that delivers an average of 36 million gallons of high-quality drinking water daily.
Rochester’s water originates from two jewel-like Finger Lakes—Hemlock Lake (primary source since 1876) and Canadice Lake (added in 1919)—both situated within the nearly 7,000-acre protected Hemlock-Canadice State Forest watershed. This pristine source water is treated at the advanced Hemlock Filtration Plant using state-of-the-art processes including coagulation, filtration, disinfection, and fluoridation. In 2013, Rochester was voted as having the best tasting water in New York State. The utility’s commitment to excellence includes earning the Partnership for Safe Water “Director’s Award for Filtration Plants” for 22 consecutive years, demonstrating Rochester’s dedication to providing water that exceeds federal and state standards while preparing for future challenges including infrastructure modernization and emerging contaminants.
Rochester Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: The most recent lead and copper testing in 2024 showed Rochester Water remains in full compliance with EPA regulations, with 90th percentile lead levels at 8.9-9.0 parts per billion, well below the federal action level of 15 ppb.
- Comprehensive Testing: Rochester conducts extensive water quality monitoring with over 120 trained professionals, including more than 40 certified water system operators, ensuring rigorous testing throughout the treatment and distribution system.
- Regulatory Compliance: Rochester’s water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with EPA and New York State Department of Health regulations for 2024.
Water Sources
- Hemlock Lake: Primary source since 1876, located 28 miles south of Rochester in a protected 7,000-acre watershed designated as the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest in 2010.
- Canadice Lake: Secondary source added in 1919, located within the same protected watershed area, providing additional capacity and system redundancy.
- Lake Ontario Water: Supplemental supply purchased from Monroe County Water Authority, treated at their Shoremont Treatment Plant on Dewey Avenue for system reliability.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Hemlock Filtration Plant: State-of-the-art direct filtration facility with 48 million gallons per day capacity, utilizing coagulation, filtration, disinfection, and fluoridation processes.
- Corrosion Control: Advanced pH adjustment using carbon dioxide maintains optimal pH range of 7.7-8.0 to prevent pipe corrosion and minimize lead leaching from household plumbing.
- Partnership for Safe Water: Rochester earned the prestigious “Director’s Award for Filtration Plants” for 22 consecutive years, demonstrating commitment to water quality that exceeds regulatory requirements.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Lead Service Line Replacement: Aggressive $5 million program to replace all lead service lines by 2030, with 2,395 lead-containing services replaced in 2024 alone and over 8,000 completed to date.
- Distribution System Upgrades: Ongoing modernization including 2,970 feet of water main replacement and 4.5 miles of water main cleaning and lining completed in 2024, totaling over $17 million in system improvements.
- Smart Water Management: Implementation of radio-read meters covering over 80% of the system, providing accurate usage monitoring and leak detection for improved efficiency and customer service.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Rochester Water Bureau provides comprehensive customer support through various programs, including extensive lead service line replacement assistance and the “Let’s Get The Lead Out Together” initiative offering free water testing and education. The utility maintains transparent communication through annual water quality reports and 24/7 emergency response services. Rochester’s investments in advanced treatment technologies, source water protection through the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest designation, and proactive infrastructure replacement demonstrate its commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water while addressing emerging challenges including lead elimination, water conservation, and emerging contaminants like PFAS.
Recommendations for Rochester Residents
Check Your Service Line
Use Rochester’s Property Information Application at maps.cityofrochester.gov/propinfo to look up your service line material. Contact the Hemlock Water Quality Lab at (585) 428-6680 ext 1 or watertest@cityofrochester.gov for free water testing if you have concerns about lead.
Practice Water Conservation
Take advantage of Rochester’s water conservation programs and tips available at dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/wateruse-conservation. Simple changes like fixing leaks can save money and reduce environmental stress.
Consider NSF-Certified Filtration
While Rochester’s water meets all standards and won the state’s best tasting water award, homes with older plumbing may benefit from NSF-certified filters for additional protection against lead and disinfection byproducts.
Learn About Lead Service Lines
Visit cityofrochester.gov/lead to learn about Rochester’s aggressive lead service line replacement program. If your property has a lead service line, the city is working to replace it by 2030 at no cost to residents.
Contact Customer Service
Call 311 for Rochester residents or (585) 428-5990 from outside the city for water quality concerns, service issues, or general questions. Emergency response is available 24/7 at (585) 428-7500 for urgent water system issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Rochester’s tap water is exceptionally safe and meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes from the pristine Hemlock and Canadice Lakes in a protected 7,000-acre watershed, with supplemental Lake Ontario water from Monroe County Water Authority.
Rochester Water Bureau employs over 120 experienced professionals including more than 40 certified water system operators. The Hemlock Filtration Plant has earned the Partnership for Safe Water “Director’s Award for Filtration Plants” for 22 consecutive years, demonstrating excellence that exceeds regulatory requirements. In 2013, Rochester was voted as having the best tasting water in New York State.
What is Rochester doing about lead in water?
Rochester has one of the most aggressive lead service line replacement programs in New York State:
• Ambitious Timeline: Complete replacement of all lead service lines by 2030
• Significant Progress: Over 8,000 lead service lines already replaced, with 2,395 replaced in 2024 alone
• Major Investment: $5 million current project to replace 772 additional lines, with $48 million in federal funding available
• Free Service: Lead service line replacement at no cost to property owners
• Comprehensive Testing: Free water testing available through the Hemlock Water Quality Lab
Residents can check their service line material at maps.cityofrochester.gov/propinfo or contact the Water Bureau for assistance.
Why does my water sometimes taste different?
Occasional taste variations can result from several factors:
Seasonal Water Quality Changes: Natural variations in source water from Hemlock and Canadice Lakes can affect taste, especially during heavy rainfall or seasonal changes.
Water Source Mixing: Some areas receive either Hemlock Lake water or Lake Ontario water (from MCWA), or a mixture of both depending on the season, which may cause subtle taste differences.
Home Plumbing Factors: Internal plumbing issues or water that has been sitting in pipes for extended periods can sometimes affect taste.
Chlorine Levels: Disinfection levels may vary slightly to maintain water safety throughout the extensive distribution system.
If taste concerns persist, contact Rochester Water Bureau at 311 or (585) 428-5990. Running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use often improves taste and quality.
How is Rochester’s water tested for emerging contaminants?
Rochester conducts comprehensive monitoring for emerging contaminants:
PFAS Testing: Under EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5), Rochester tests for 29 different PFAS compounds quarterly. Results from 2023 showed all PFAS compounds were not detected in both Rochester’s water and MCWA’s supplied water.
Disinfection Byproducts: Regular monitoring shows Total THMs averaging 43 ppb and Haloacetic Acids at 27 ppb, both well below EPA maximum levels of 80 ppb and 60 ppb respectively.
Comprehensive Screening: Testing includes over 100 compounds including pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals – with the vast majority not detected.
Source Water Protection: The protected Hemlock-Canadice State Forest watershed prevents industrial and agricultural contamination at the source.
Rochester’s annual Water Quality Report provides detailed testing results and is available at cityofrochester.gov/waterbureau.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when chlorine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water from Hemlock and Canadice Lakes; levels monitored throughout the distribution system
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function
Current Levels: Total THMs average 43 ppb (range: 16-79 ppb) and Haloacetic Acids average 27 ppb (range: 6-42 ppb) EPA Limits: 80 ppb for THMs and 60 ppb for HAAs – Rochester is well below both standards
Lead from Service Lines
Source: Lead service lines and household plumbing components in older homes; not present in Rochester’s source water or distribution mains
Health Effects: Particularly harmful to children and pregnant women, causing developmental issues, lowered IQ, and damage to kidneys and brain; no safe level exists
Current Status: 2024 testing shows 90th percentile levels at 8.9-9.0 ppb, well below EPA action level of 15 ppb; aggressive replacement program targeting all lead service lines by 2030 EPA Action Level: 15 ppb – Rochester is below this threshold
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can potentially enter water sources
Health Effects: Research suggests potential impacts on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers
Current Status: 2023 UCMR5 testing detected no PFAS compounds in Rochester’s water supply from either source EPA Limits: New 2024 regulations set limits at 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS – Rochester currently has no detectable levels
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