Critical Health Concern

Lead in Rochester's Water

One in three Rochester water lines contains lead. Here's what every homeowner needs to know.

1 in 3

Water lines contain lead

70%

Homes built before 1978

2030

Replacement completion target

0 ppb

Safe level of lead (EPA)

Where Lead Comes From

There is no detectable lead in Rochester's source water when it leaves the treatment plants. The problem is the journey from the plant to your faucet. Lead enters your water through:

Lead service lines connecting the water main under the street to your home
Lead solder used to join copper pipes in homes built before 1986
Brass fixtures and faucets that contain lead alloys
Galvanized steel pipes that may have absorbed lead from connected lead pipes

Health Effects of Lead

The EPA states there is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Even low levels of exposure can cause:

In Children

Developmental delays
Learning difficulties
Reduced IQ
Behavioral issues
Hearing problems

In Adults

High blood pressure
Kidney damage
Reproductive issues
Nerve damage
Memory and concentration problems

Is Your Home at Risk?

Your home likely has lead risk if:

It was built before 1986
You're in the City of Rochester (especially southeast Rochester — 87% pre-1970)
You haven't received a lead service line replacement notice from the city
You see a dull gray, soft metal pipe where the water line enters your home

How We Remove Lead

The most effective approach is a point-of-use reverse osmosis system at your kitchen tap, which removes 98-99% of lead: