Rochester, NY Water Quality Report
A comprehensive, independent analysis of what's in Rochester's tap water. Data sourced from the EPA, Monroe County Water Authority, City of Rochester, and the Environmental Working Group.
Environmental Working Group score based on detected contaminants vs. health guidelines
Exceeding levels recommended by independent health organizations
In testing of Rochester's municipal water supply
Where Rochester's Water Comes From
Rochester has a dual-source water supply. Depending on where you live, the season, and current demand, your water may come from one or both sources:
Hemlock & Canadice Lakes
- Primary City of Rochester source since 1876
- 37 million gallons daily average
- Treated at a $45 million filtration plant
- 550+ miles of water mains
- Serves ~210,000 people
- Hardness: ~5 grains per gallon
Lake Ontario (MCWA)
- Monroe County Water Authority source
- Treated at Shoremont & Webster plants
- Serves suburbs and county areas
- Supplemental to city system via Mt. Read pump station
- Hardness: 5.6 – 7.6 grains per gallon
- Subject to algal bloom concerns
Important: Some areas of Rochester receive either Hemlock Lake water, Lake Ontario water, or a mixture of both, depending on the season and demand. This means your water quality can vary throughout the year.
Detected Contaminants
Rochester water meets all EPA legal limits. However, many health organizations set stricter guidelines. Here's what testing has found:
Trihalomethanes (THMs)
Elevated ConcernLinked to bladder cancer, liver damage, and reproductive issues. Formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter.
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent)
Elevated ConcernA known carcinogen. Detected at 3-4x the EWG health guideline level.
Bromodichloromethane
Elevated ConcernDisinfection byproduct linked to cancer risk and pregnancy complications.
Chloroform
Moderate ConcernFormed during chlorine disinfection. A regulated disinfection byproduct.
Dibromochloromethane
Moderate ConcernAnother carcinogenic disinfection byproduct of chlorine treatment.
Lead
Elevated ConcernNeurotoxin especially dangerous for children. Enters water through aging lead service lines, not the source water.
Molybdenum
DetectedFound throughout most of the distribution system.
Strontium
DetectedNaturally occurring mineral found in water supply.
The Lead Problem in Rochester
Source: WHEC News, City of Rochester Department of Environmental Services
Lead is not present in Rochester's source water. The problem is the infrastructure between the treatment plant and your faucet. Lead enters drinking water through:
- Lead service lines connecting the water main to your home
- Lead solder used in copper pipe joints (pre-1986 homes)
- Brass faucets and fixtures containing lead
Key facts about lead in Rochester:
- 57.4% of Monroe County houses were built before 1970
- 70% of Monroe County houses predate 1978
- 87% of homes in southeast Rochester were built before 1970
- The city has removed 9,800+ lead service lines since 2018
- Full replacement is not expected until 2030
- There is no safe level of lead in drinking water according to the EPA
Water Hardness in Rochester
| Source | Grains/Gallon | mg/L | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| City (Hemlock/Canadice) | ~5 gpg | ~85 mg/L | Moderately Hard |
| MCWA (Lake Ontario) | 5.6 – 7.6 gpg | 96 – 130 mg/L | Moderately Hard to Hard |
| Rochester Average | ~9.3 gpg | ~160 mg/L | Hard |
Hard water causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances, spots on dishes, dry skin and hair, reduced soap effectiveness, and higher energy bills from water heater fouling. A water softener is one of the most impactful upgrades for Rochester homes.
Learn about hard water solutions →Seasonal Water Quality Changes
Spring
Snowmelt increases turbidity and runoff contaminants. Higher organic matter in source water.
Summer
Warmer water means more chlorine is added, producing more disinfection byproducts (THMs). Algal bloom risk increases.
Fall
Leaf accumulation in reservoirs can affect algae and bacteria. Water source mix may shift.
Winter
Cold temperatures generally improve quality, but lake effect weather patterns affect the broader watershed.
Want to Know Exactly What's in Your Water?
Every home is different. Our free in-home water test analyzes your specific water for hardness, lead, chlorine, TDS, pH, and more.
Schedule Your Free Water Test ($99 Value)