Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Rochester?
Yes, Rochester's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Rochester has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Rochester's water utility, Rochester City, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Rochester City water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Rochester Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Rochester tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Rochester's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Rochester Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Rochester City for Rochester in New York. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Rochester Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Rochester water system, Rochester City, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.00902 mg/L of lead in Rochester water. This is 60.1% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Rochester contained more lead.
While Rochester water testing may have found 0.00902 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Rochester Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Rochester Readiness Center/AASF #2 - near Rochester with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Rochester has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Rochester Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 10 FELIX STREET ROCHESTER, NY, 14608 |
Existing customers can login to their Rochester City account to pay their Rochester water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Rochester City bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Rochester water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Rochester water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Rochester means you will often need to put the water in your name with Rochester City. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Rochester means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Rochester City. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.50 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Rochester, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Rochester Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Rochester's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
CITY OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
BUREAU OF WATER
Water Supply ID# NY2704518
Pureand
Wholesome
WaterSince
1876
2020
WATER QUALITY
Report
1
2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
Photo courtesy of Gina Horan, Hemlock, NY
THE CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER BUREAU is pleased to present your 2020 Water Quality Report. This report includes water quality information for the 2020 calendar year. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all water utilities to produce and distribute water quality reports on an annual basis. In 2020, the City met or exceeded all of the drinking water standards set by the EPA and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
its treatment and water quality test results. Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact us at (585)
WHERE DOES MY DRINKING WATER COME FROM AND HOW IS IT TREATED?
Since 1876, Rochester residents have relied upon Hemlock Lake, with Canadice Lake added in 1919, for their drinking water supply. The City also purchases water from MCWA’s Shoremont Treatment Plant on Lake Ontario. (MCWA water quality information is available at MCWA.com.) The City’s Hemlock Water Filtration Plant is a direct filtration plant with a capacity of 48 million gallons per day and employs processes involving pH adjustment, coagulation, filtration, disinfection and fluoridation.
Filtration & Disinfection:
During coagulation, chemicals are added to untreated water, causing the natural particulates to clump
Corrosion Control:
The City uses carbon dioxide to adjust water pH as part of its corrosion control strategy. A pH range of
Fluoridation:
The City of Rochester is one of the many New York water utilities providing drinking water with a controlled low level of fluoride for consumer dental health protection. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, fluoride is very effective in preventing cavities when present in drinking water at an optimal level of 0.7 mg/L. To ensure optimal dental protection, the State Department of Health requires that
The City of Rochester Water Bureau provides water to 210,000 people and many businesses located within the City of Rochester. In addition, the City partners with the Livingston County Water & Sewer Authority (LCW&SA), Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) and the Village and Town of Lima to provide water to some of their service areas.
The Rochester Water Bureau is committed to providing safe, high quality water and excellent service, while adhering to safe and environmentally friendly practices. The Water Bureau is a part of the Department of Environmental Services, governed by the Mayor of the City of Rochester.
Providing safe and reliable drinking water requires a team of over
120 experienced, dedicated and
2
specially trained employees. Over 40 Water Bureau employees have obtained NYSDOH certification as water system operators.
In 2020, the City continued its commitment to water quality through its involvement with the Partnership for Safe Water. The goal of this voluntary American Water Works Association (AWWA) and EPA program is to help water utilities optimize strategies to provide consumers with quality water that exceeds what current regulations require. 2020 marked the 19th year in a row that the Hemlock Filtration Plant earned the Partnership’s “Director’s Award for Filtration Plants.”
This report provides information about your water system including the source of your drinking water,
together into larger particles called floc. The floc is removed by filtration and the water is then disinfected with chlorine.
HOW CAN I SAVE MONEY ON WATER? Simple changes in your daily routine can save you money on your water bill and also reduce stress on the environment. Always repair dripping and leaking faucets, toilets and garden hoses. Log on to http://www.dec.ny.gov/ lands/5009.html for more conservation tips.
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2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
2020 STATISTICS
The City of Rochester has a population about or approximate- ly 210,000, and over 58,000 metered accounts. The base charge for water was $3.62 per 1,000 gallons.
The average daily production at the Hemlock Water Filtration Plant was 35.5 million gallons per day (MGD) some of which was sold to wholesale customers. Approxi- mately 22.5 MGD was delivered to City retail customers and 6.9 MGD was considered
we monitor fluoride levels on a daily basis. In 2020 the fluoride levels in your water were within 0.1 mg/L of the CDC’s recommended optimal level greater than 99.17% of the time.
Water treated at the Hemlock Filtration Plant flows to the city by gravity through three large pipelines. Along the way, water is sold wholesale to water districts in the Town and Village of Lima, LCW&SA and MCWA. The treated water is stored in the City’s three
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT SUMMARY:
To raise awareness about the importance of preventing water pollution, the NYDOH has evaluated the susceptibility of water supplies statewide for potential contamination under the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). Through its assessment of the Hemlock/Canadice Lake watershed, SWAP identified several potential sources of contamination, none particularly noteworthy. The City’s extensive testing of these pristine lakes confirms that contamination from human activity is negligible. For more information on SWAP, please call (585)
WHAT TYPES OF WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS WERE COMPLETED OR INITIATED
IN 2020?
The City is diligent in reinvesting in your water system through its capital improvement program. In 2020, the Water Bureau spent more than $8 million on system improvements to the Hemlock Filtration Plant, transmission system, distribution system, reservoirs and dams. Some of the program highlights include the installation of 0.8 miles of
new water main, including valves, hydrants, removal of lead service lines as well as cleaning and lining 5.5 miles of existing water main in the City’s distribution system. Improvements to the filtration plant automation controls, backup power and security systems were also made. The ongoing programs of recalibrating and/or replacing customers’ water meters (1,679 in 2020), inspecting all fire hydrants and operating main line valves, conducting water main flushing, and sampling and testing the water were also performed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE EPA:
-
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water
Hotline1-800-426-4791.
• The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As
water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activities. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: microbial contaminants, inorganic contaminants, pesticides and herbicides, organic chemical contaminants and radioactive contaminants.
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the state and the EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The State Health Department’s and Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
-
Some people may be more vulnerable to
disease-causing microorganisms or pathogens in drinking water than the general population.Immuno-compromised individuals, such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants may be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking
Water Hotline(1-800-426-4791).
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2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS IN MY WATER? As NY State regulations require, we routinely test your drinking water for numerous contaminants and we have found no contaminants in our water at levels that raise concern. Some substances such as chlorine and fluoride are added to the water supply for health reasons.
IS THERE LEAD IN MY
DRINKING WATER?
Lead is a toxic metal known to have negative health effects for people of all ages, particularly pregnant women, infants and young children. Lead has been linked to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and other issues.
Lead is not found in Rochester’s source water or in the water mains. Lead can be present in the service lines connecting homes to water mains and in brass fixtures, faucets and solder in copper plumbing. These items can pass lead into the water you use for drinking and cooking. Because lead poses health risks, the EPA has set a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of
zero for lead. Due to the potential health risks of lead, follow these steps to find out if there is lead in your water.
-
Check Available Records: Water service material records are available in the Property Information Application at maps.cityofrochester.gov. Enter address and click “Water” tab or call the Water Dispatch office at
(585)428-7500. -
Have Your Water Tested for Free: Contact the Water Bureau’s Laboratory at (585)
428-6680 Ext 1, or by email to: watertest@ cityofrochester.gov. -
Inspect Your Plumbing: To identify sources of lead in your plumbing go to: www.lslr- collaborative.org/identifying-
service-line-material.html Contact a licensed plumber: call the City’s Bureau of Buildings and Zoning Permit Office
at (585)428-6526 or go to www.cityofrochester.gov/ licensedtrades/
Simple Steps you can take to reduce lead:
- Use ONLY Cold Waterfor drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula. Hot water dissolves lead more quickly.
-
Flush your pipes any time water has been unused for more than
4-6 hours. Lead levels are highest when water has been sitting in the pipe. - Periodically Clean Faucet Screens which can accumulate lead and rust particles.
-
Use a Water
Filter—If you have concerns about levels of lead in your water, consider using a water filter that is certified by the NSF
International to remove lead. Find out more on filter certification at www.nsf.org
Additional information is available at:
- www.cityofrochester.gov/ drinkingwatersafety
-
EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
1-800-426-4791 - www.epa.gov/safewater/lead
- Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning: www.letsmakeleadhistory.org.
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND GIARDIA Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water and groundwater under the influence of surface water. Although filtration removes Cryptosporidium, the most commonly used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100 percent removal.
The Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2) requires that uncovered finished
water storage reservoirs either be covered or have treatment installed to inactivate cryptosporidium. In order to comply with LT2, the City of Rochester entered into a compliance agreement with the Monroe County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health
in 2012.
The Agreement requires the City to conduct routine Cryptosporidium monitoring (twice monthly) from both Highland and Cobbs Hill reservoirs. During 2020, as part
of our routine sampling plan, forty eight (48) samples for Cryptosporidium or Giardia oocysts were collected, twenty five at Highland Reservoir and twenty three at Cobbs HIll. No Cryptosporidium or Giardia oocysts were recovered for any samples collected at Cobbs Hill. At Highland Reservoir, there were two occurrences of detections: May 18, 2020
8, 2020- one cryptosporidium oocyst was detected (0.02 oocysts/ liter) Both detections fell into
the No Action category of our Cryptosporidium and Giardia Action Plan.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS? For more information about Water Bureau activities, fees and other
Call (585)
Street, Rochester, NY 14608.
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2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT |
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2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT |
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TABLE OF DETECTED CONTAMINANTS |
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ENTRY POINT — TREATMENT PLANT EFFLUENT |
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HEMLOCK |
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ONTARIO |
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MEETS |
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SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCLG |
MCL |
AVERAGE |
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AVERAGE |
LIKELY SOURCE |
EPA |
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(RANGE) |
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(RANGE) |
STANDARDS |
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COMBINED RADIUM pCi/L |
0 |
5 |
1.11 |
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ND |
Erosion of natural deposits |
Yes |
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226+228 |
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ALKALINITY |
mg/L |
NA |
NA |
72 |
|
90 |
Naturally occurring |
NA |
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ALUMINUM |
ug/L |
NA |
200 |
8.7 |
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85.3 |
Treatment Process |
Yes |
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BARIUM |
mg/L |
2 |
2 |
0.016 |
0.021 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
Yes |
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CALCIUM |
mg/L |
NA |
NA |
27 |
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34 |
Naturally occurring |
NA |
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COPPER |
mg/L |
1.3 |
1.3 |
0.004 |
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ND |
Erosion of natural deposits, corrosion of plumbing |
Yes |
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CHLORIDE |
mg/L |
250 |
250 |
36 |
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25 |
Natural deposits, road salt, water treatment chemicals |
Yes |
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FLUORIDE |
mg/L |
NA |
2.2 |
0.69 |
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0.7 |
Water treatment additive to promote dental health |
Yes |
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(0.08 – 0.78) |
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MAGNESIUM |
mg/L |
NA |
NA |
6.5 |
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8.5 |
Naturally occurring |
NA |
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NITRATE |
mg/L |
10 |
10 |
0.08 |
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0.28 |
Fertilizers, erosion of natural deposits, septic tank leachate |
Yes |
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PERFLUOROHEX- |
ng/L |
NA |
NA |
ND |
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1 |
Commercial and Industrial applications |
NA |
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ANESULFONIC ACID (PFHXS) |
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PERFLUOROOCTANE- ng/L |
NA |
10 |
ND |
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2.55 |
Commercial and Industrial applications |
Yes |
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SULFONIC ACID (PFOS) |
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PERFLUORO- |
ng/L |
NA |
10 |
ND |
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2.10 (2.10) |
Commercial and Industrial applications |
Yes |
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OCTANOIC ACID (PFOA) |
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PH |
SU |
NA |
NA |
7.9 |
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7.5 |
Naturally occurring, treatment process |
NA |
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(7.0 – 8.1) |
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POTASSIUM |
mg/L |
NA |
NA |
1.4 |
|
1.1 |
Naturally occurring |
NA |
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SPECIFIC |
Umhos/cm |
NA |
NA |
290 |
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297 |
Naturally occurring |
NA |
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CONDUCTIVITY |
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SODIUM |
mg/L |
NA |
NA |
20 |
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15 |
Natural deposits, road salt, water treatment chemicals |
NA |
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SULFATE |
mg/L |
NA |
250 |
12 |
|
26 |
Naturally occurring |
Yes |
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TOTAL DISSOLVED |
mg/L |
NA |
NA |
160 |
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170 |
Naturally occurring |
NA |
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SOLIDS |
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TOTAL HARDNESS |
mg/L |
NA |
NA |
95 |
|
120 |
Naturally occurring |
NA |
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2020 ITY OF ROCHES ER WATER QUALITY REPORT |
2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT |
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TABLE OF DETECTED CONTAMINANTS CONTINUED |
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TABLE OF DETECTED CONTAMINANTS |
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MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS – ENTRY POINT |
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SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCLG |
MCL |
AVERAGE (ANNUAL RANGE) |
LIKELY SOURCE |
MEETS EPA STANDARDS |
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TOTAL COLIFORM |
% Positive |
0 |
NA |
0% (Annual) |
Naturally occurring |
Yes |
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Water Clarity Treatment Requirements (TT) - 95% of samples each month must be less |
point. Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and is used to gauge filtration process. |
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than 0.3 NTU. Annual Range and lowest monthly percentage are listed below for entry |
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TURBIDITY- |
NTU |
NA |
95% < 0.3 |
0.06 (0.04 - 0.10) |
Soil runoff |
Yes |
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ENTRY POINT |
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NTU |
(100% <0.3 NTU) |
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Disinfectant and Disinfectant
than an MCL and MCLG.
CHLORINE |
mg/L |
4 |
4 |
0.84 (0.7 |
Required treatment chemical |
Yes |
(ENTRY POINT) |
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TOTAL ORGANIC |
mg/L |
NA |
TT |
2.26 |
Naturally occurring |
Yes |
CARBON |
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UV254 |
Abs/cm |
NA |
NA |
0.028 |
Naturally occurring |
Yes |
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TOTAL THMS |
ug/L |
NA |
80 |
7 |
Yes |
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HALOACETIC ACIDS |
ug/L |
NA |
60 |
5 |
Yes |
CITY OF ROCHESTER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM |
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Microbiological Contaminants – The distribution system monthly maximum and annual |
can be found on almost all surfaces, including the inside wall of water pipes. |
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average % positive for total coliform bacteria are listed below. Total Coliform is a group |
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The variance does not apply to E. coli. Cryptosporidium and Giardia samples are col- |
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of bacteria used to indicate the general sanitary conditions in a water system. Most |
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lected from the reservoir effluent prior to chlorination. Sample frequency for crypto- |
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species of this group do not present a health concern, but one species, E. coli can be |
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sporidium or giardia increases from twice per month to weekly within a given month |
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pathogenic. In 1993, the State Health Department granted the City a “biofilm” |
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whenever an oocyst is detected. |
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variance, or exception to the Total Coliform MCL. Biofilm is a layer of bacteria that |
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SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCLG |
MCL |
HIGHEST % POSITIVE (MONTH) |
LIKELY SOURCE |
MEETS EPA STANDARDS |
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TOTAL COLIFORM |
% Positive |
0 |
NA |
3.6% (Nov) (0.4% Annual) |
Naturally Occurring |
Yes |
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SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCLG |
MCL |
AVERAGE (ANNUAL RANGE) |
LIKELY SOURCE |
MEETS EPA STANDARDS |
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CRYPTOSPORIDIUM Oocysts/L |
0 |
TT |
<0.01 |
Naturally Occurring |
Yes |
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(One oocyst detected in 6/8/20 |
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sample at Highland Reservoir) |
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GIARDIA |
Oocysts/L |
Oocysts/L |
TT |
<0.01 |
Naturally Occurring |
Yes |
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(One oocyst detected in 6/8/20 |
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sample at Highland Reservoir) |
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10 |
11 |
2020 ITY OF ROCHES ER WATER QUALITY REPORT
TABLETABLEOFOFDETECTEDDETECTEDCONTAMINANTSCONTAMINANTS CONTINUED
CITY OF ROCHESTER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Water Clarity Treatment Requirements (TT) For the distribution system the highest monthly average and range are reported. Turbidity is a measure of water clarity
TURBIDITY - |
NTU |
NA |
5 NTU 0.11 (0.03 – 0.87) |
DISTRIBUTION |
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2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
and is used to gauge filtration process.
Soil Runoff, Corrosion of Plumbing |
Yes |
Disinfectant and Disinfectant
Chlorine has a MDRL (Maximum Disinfectant Residual Level) and MDRLG (MDRL Goal) rather than an MCL and MCLG. LRAA=Locational Running Annual Average
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CHLORINE |
mg/L |
4 |
4 |
0.80 |
Required treatment chemical |
Yes |
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TOTAL THMS |
ug/L |
NA |
80 |
41 |
Yes |
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HALOACETIC ACIDS |
ug/L |
NA |
60 |
23 |
Yes |
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Lead and Copper (2018 Survey) |
are listed below. Six out of 63 samples tested exceeded the lead AL. Zero out of 63 |
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must be less than the Action Level (AL) The 90th percentile and the range of results |
samples exceeded the copper AL. |
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SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCLG |
AL |
90TH PERCENTILE (RANGE) |
LIKELY SOURCE |
MEETS EPA STANDARDS |
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LEAD |
ug/L |
0 |
15 |
11.7 |
Corrosion of plumbing |
Yes |
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COPPER |
ug/L |
1300 |
1300 |
217 (ND- 630) |
Corrosion of plumbing |
Yes |
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Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 4 – Once every 5 years the EPA requires public water systems to participate in unregulated contaminant monitoring. In 2016 the EPA established a list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants referred to as UCMR4. The City began participation in UCMR4 in 2018 and will conclude sampling
activities for this rule in the third quarter of 2019. The monitoring results provide the basis for future regulatory actions to protect public health. Detected Contaminants for the Hemlock and Lake Ontario Treatment Plants and the Distribution System are reported.
SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCLG MCL HEMLOCK DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM |
LAKE ONTARIO SYSTEM |
MEETS EPA STANDARDS |
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BROMIDE |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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TOTAL ORGANIC |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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CARBON |
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TOTAL HAA (5) |
ug/L |
NA |
60 |
NA |
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TOTAL HAA (6) BR |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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TOTAL HAA (9) |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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BROMOCHLORO- |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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ACETIC ACID |
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BROMODICHLOR- |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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OACETIC ACID |
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12 |
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2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT |
2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT |
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TABLE OF DETECTED CONTAMINANTS CONTINUED |
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CITY OF ROCHESTER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM |
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SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCLG |
MCL HEMLOCK DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM |
LAKE ONTARIO SYSTEM |
MEETS EPA STANDARDS |
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CHLORODIBROM- |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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OACETIC ACID |
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DIBROMOACETIC ACID |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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DICHLOROACETIC ACID |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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MONOBROMOACETIC ACID |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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MONOCHLOROACETIC ACID |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
ND |
NA |
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TRIBROMOACETIC ACID |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
ND |
NA |
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TRICHLOROACETIC ACID |
ug/L |
NA |
NA |
NA |
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Note: The following contaminants were tested for but not found in HWTP
effluent: Benzene, Bromobenzene, Bromochloromethane, Bromomethane,
All tested contaminants not shown in the table were not detected. The complete list of contaminants tested is available at www.cityofrochester.gov/waterquality.
14
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Abs/cm = The unit of measure for |
Action Level (AL): The concentration of |
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UV absorbance: Absorbance per |
a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers |
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centimeter (abs/cm), referring to how |
treatment or other requirements which |
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much UV is absorbed at a specific |
a water system must follow. |
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wavelength |
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): A |
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Maximum Contaminant Level Goal |
measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity |
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(MCLG): The level of a contaminant in |
in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to |
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drinking water below which there is no |
the average person. |
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known or expected risk to health. MCLGs |
Milligrams per liter (mg/l): Corresponds |
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allow for a margin of safety. |
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to one part of liquid in one million parts |
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Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): |
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of liquid (parts per million - ppm). |
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The highest level of a contaminant that is |
Micrograms per liter (ug/l): Corresponds |
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allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set |
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as close to the MCLG as possible. |
to one part of liquid in one billion parts |
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of liquid (parts per billion - ppb). |
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Maximum Residual Disinfectant |
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NA: Not applicable |
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Level (MRDL): The highest level of a |
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disinfectant allowed in drinking water. |
Nanograms per liter (ng/L): NOne |
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There is convincing evidence that the |
part of liquid in 1 trillion partsof |
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addition of a disinfectant is necessary |
liquid (parts per trillion = ppt). pCi/ |
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for control of microbial contaminants. |
L= picocurie/L: A unit of measure for |
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Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level |
radioactivity. |
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Goal (MRDLG): The level of a drinking |
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water disinfectant below which there |
indicates that the constituent is not |
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is no known or expected risk to health. |
present. |
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MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the |
Umhos/cm = The unit of measurement |
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use of disinfectants to control microbial |
for conductivity: Expressed as |
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contamination. |
micromhos (umho/cm). |
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Treatment Technique (TT): A required |
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process intended to reduce the level of a |
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contaminant in drinking water. |
15 |
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Photo courtesy of Gina Horan, Hemlock, NY
2020 CITY OF ROCHESTER WATER QUALITY REPORT
CITY OF ROCHESTER
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
BUREAU OF WATER
10 FELIX STREET
ROCHESTER, NY 14608
16 |
0421pd |
Contaminants
Rochester City
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the New York Department of Health - Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 232267
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 18
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Barium
- Bromoform
- Chlorate
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Molybdenum
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Strontium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
Rochester Tap Water
You get to live in one of the cleanest cities in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the cleanliness of city water supplies. For this reason, when you buy Rochester tap water, you know you are getting a good quality product that doesn’t irritate your skin or leave you with contaminated glasses. Many doctors and dentists recommend purified water to help patients who are prone to getting tooth decay. It is also healthier for those who drink water regularly, like athletes and people who eat many fruits and vegetables.
You don’t have to use plastic bottles to bottle your water. Many people prefer to bottle their water because it allows them to control exactly what goes into their drinking. You can choose the flavor of your water, how much you want to put in, and how often. You can get different types of water bottles to make them easy to bring along with you. You can even buy water in gallon containers so that you won’t have to worry about running out when you need a drink.
Finally, you will save money. When you buy pure water from Rochester, New York, you pay less than you would to buy bottled water and then fill it up with gas. When you compare the prices, you will see just how much money you can save. Now that you know why you should buy pure water from Rochester, New York, go shopping!
Rochester Drinking Water
Are you aware of the fact that your drinking water in Rochester, New York, is safe? If not, you should be. This city is known for having a quality water supply. This means that the water that your local utility company supplies are contaminant-free and pure. However, if you want the most sterile water available, it is highly recommended that you purchase a water filter and purify your tap’s water at home.
Why would you need to filter your drinking water? The truth is that not everyone realizes the importance of doing this. There are various reasons why you would need to do this. You may find that you have been exposed to toxins through eating unhealthy foods. Perhaps, you work in an office that regularly uses harmful chemicals; or, even worse, there could be a severe issue with the water supply provided by your city.
No matter what the reason, it is highly recommended that you invest in a water-filtration system for your home. Not only will you improve the taste of your drinking water, but you will also find that you will have more energy and that you will be sleeping better at night. It is incredible how much better you will feel once you get rid of those bad-tasting and toxic-smelling drinking water.
Rochester Water Quality
Do you want to make sure that your next shower or wash in the washing machine is not contaminated with the deadly bacteria and germs from dirty water? This is where having a high-quality water filtration system in your home comes in. By getting a whole house filter system, you can be sure to have excellent water quality and eliminate the threat of getting sick from water that is not clean enough for human consumption.
It is more important now than ever to make sure that your family’s health is protected. The average person in Rochester has probably seen more than a few harmful waterborne bacteria and germs in the water they use every day. These germs can be in the tap water, they can come from your garbage, and there are likely hundreds of places around town where the water you get your drinking is not of quality. The goal is to keep yourself healthy and to stay away from these illnesses.
Purchasing a whole house water filter for your home is the best way to ensure that all of your household’s water is clean. If you do not have a filter system in place at your house, you should start one as soon as possible. You will find that using a whole house filter can benefit your entire family because you will no longer have to worry about getting sick from tainted water. The longer you wait to filter your water, the more chance that harmful toxins will find their way into your body. Start protecting your entire family today by filtering your water.
Rochester Water Treatment
As one of the state’s most populous cities, Rochester is a prime location for water treatment facilities and a popular tourist destination. Visitors to Rochester enjoy all types of water activities, including swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing, among other water sports. There are many different types of treatment centers located in Rochester. If you visit Rochester on vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind before leaving the hotel or motel. The treatment plants in Rochester are spread out over a large area.
An excellent way to determine which water treatment plant in Rochester to use is to decide what the plant offers services and if the hotel or motel can handle them. What services does each of the treatment plants in Rochester offer? How many are there? How long do they take to complete the process? If you are not staying at a hotel or motel but traveling from one, ask the representative about the hours that Rochester treatment centers offer. Many also have a website that will show all of the information you need.
Once you have narrowed your search down to one or two water treatment plants in Rochester, it is time to find out more about them. Find out what type of certification they have received. Find out what additional testing and monitoring are done. Find out if the water is tested for bacterial disease and what chemicals are used to treat it. Find out how clean their water is if it has fluoride, if the pH level is maintained, and use chemicals to clean it.
Rochester Water Supply
Rochester is one of the twenty-three towns in Upstate New York that supplies water to the entire city. When it comes to having clean, drinkable water in your home, you really cannot beat Rochester. The water supply has a very long history going back at least a hundred years to when the Dutch settlement was first constructed. As you can imagine, the town has always had a high demand for good quality water, and they have used various methods over the years to keep their water supply reliable.
The first method that they used was boiling their water to purify it. This was very beneficial because the boiling took out all of the water’s harmful substances, including germs and viruses. A more recent way that they have used this water supply is through a reverse osmosis system. During the Industrial Revolution, this system was improved when new materials were invented to use in a variety of new manufacturing processes. This made it easier to purify water so that it could be used to make various items, including paper and automobile lubricants.
Regardless of what method of purification was used to create safe drinking water in Rochester, there are only two effective systems that are in use today. If you want to know more about how your local water supply is created, go online and find out. Most people do not realize how important it is to have access to clean fresh water. You may not think about it often, but when you are thirsty, you want to be sure that you and your family are drinking safe water from a reliable source. You never want to have to go without, especially when it is right in front of you.
Rochester Safe Drinking Water
If you are in Monroe County, New York, and want to have the peace of mind that comes from drinking safe water, you can have it by installing a Rochester Safe Drinking Water System. The Rochester Public Works department and the Rochester Utilities Board are committed to providing you with clean, drinkable water in your home or place of business. You can use one of their faucet mount systems, which hook right to your kitchen sink. This system will give you peace of mind that your family is drinking safe water all day long. This faucet mount systems come with a two-handle control and a five-handle control. Most of these faucets are dishwashers and sink-safe.
If you are concerned about the safety of your drinking water, you do not have to be. By installing a Rochester Safe Drinking Water System, you will be taking the first step in ensuring that your family is drinking safe water all day long. When you are looking for a faucet mount water filter, be sure to check with the Rochester Public Works department and the county Health Department to see what type of certification you need to have to install the unit.
Being able to take such simple precautions is extremely important. There are more than two hundred different contaminants in tap water in Rochester, New York, many of which are harmful. These include things like e-Coli and salmonella. By choosing to install a Rochester Safe Drinking Water System, you can be one of the many who benefits from drinking safe water all day long.
Rochester Water Systems
Have you ever wondered about your Rochester, New York water supply? Has it been a while since you took a look at your pipes and noticed that they are a bit clogged? If so, do you know what to do to solve the problem? If you are not sure what you should do next, perhaps a quick look at some of the things that your city water company can provide for you will be in order. There are many things that they can offer to help you get the quality water that you deserve and desire.
If you have a good water company with high-quality equipment on hand, there is no excuse for you not to have great-tasting water all the time. They can help you out when it comes to the city water supply by installing new pipes that will allow water to flow freely through your home without stopping in between. With a professional installation, you can be sure that you will have a system in place that will keep your water flowing as clean as possible without worrying about clogs or other problems. Since they can install new pipes in place, they are usually the first to know when something is going wrong with your lines, which can make a massive difference in the quality of your water and your family’s safety.
Even if you have a good water company in Rochester, New York, there are still chances that you might be lacking a bit of service. Whether you are having a hard time getting your water shut off or notice a difference in the taste of the water in your home, you mustn’t try to fix the problem yourself. The water system is not something that you can ignore when it has issues, and if you attempt to fix it yourself, you might end up causing even more damage. Instead, contact a local water company as soon as possible to ensure that your water remains safe and clean at all times.
Rochester Water
If you live in Rochester, New York, then you know that having clean, great-tasting water to use in your home and office is essential. Clean water is good for your health and gives you the energy you need to keep your body functioning correctly throughout the day. So why can’t your water company provide you with clean, pure water all the time?
A quality water company in Rochester, NY, will ensure that you always have a supply of clean, safe water free from bacteria and disease-causing germs. Using water from an unreliable source can create many risks, including sick time or disease. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to clean up a spill or if you’re trying to avoid using it in an emergency. Good quality water is necessary to keep you healthy.
When you have good water at your fingertips, you have so many more options available to you when it comes to keeping your family healthy. Clean water makes life easier and helps you to function better throughout your day. Stop letting Rochester, NY water companies take advantage of the quality that you have to offer. Invest in your health and your family’s health by using a water company that will work hard to make sure that you get what you need whenever you need it. This is the most critical decision you’ll ever make.
Rochester Drinking Water Standards
How does one determine if the Rochester NY drinking water standards are adequate? One way is to have them tested by your local water authority. This is done once per year, and the testing should be done by an accredited and dependable company. If you have a well, it will be better for your home to have it tested regularly. If it’s an older well, then you’ll probably need a newer testing system in place.
The drinking water standards in Rochester are outlined in a comprehensive water quality act. These laws were enacted in response to the Clean Water Act. These laws require all municipalities to test their supplies for contaminants to ensure that they are safe for consumption. To have the most stringent standards available, the criteria must be periodically reviewed and re-approved. This is why checking your local water is so important. While a well might be up to date, if it hasn’t been tested recently, there could be dangerous bacteria, minerals, or pesticides in the water that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
A good drinking water standards law will require a company to provide yearly re-testings. The re-testings should include samples of both drinking water and also commercial and domestic tap water. This is a way for you to ensure that you and your family are protected from harmful contaminants.
Rochester Surface Water
If you are looking for information on having a pond or lake in Rochester, NY, you have come to the right place. The climate of Rochester is relatively temperate, and this has given birth to some of the best koi fish, catfish, and perch that are available in the area. There are also some other types of fish, such as trout, that are available and musky. One thing that people that live in the area of Rochester want to know about is what the status of their local surface water is like. For this reason, I have decided to create a couple of different articles that will give you some excellent information on what your local water is like. By reading this article now, you will be able to prepare for the “better days” when it comes to having a pond or lake in Rochester.
The area that surrounds Rochester is considered to be under-regulated, or what is known as a lakeshore. This means that the laws surrounding the area of Lake Como govern the amount of water that can be taken from the lake. Lake Monroe is one of the most popular lakes in Rochester, and it takes approximately fifteen million gallons of water to fill up an average four hundred fifty-foot pond. Some areas in the immediate Rochester area where the water level is not so high but still enough to support a reasonable-sized lake. The law also says that you can have as large a pond as you want, but you need to have notification posted of the maximums for each lake that you own.
When it comes to ponds and lakes, Rochester is one of the newer places implementing these laws. Previously, all of the major cities all across the United States had established their minimums. This caused many problems because if you had a small pond or a single-family pond, you couldn’t get any water from it. When the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation began regulating these lakes’ water levels, they set higher standards than the laws had previously specified. It is important to remember that when there is more than one regulation, it usually indicates that something is wrong with the lakes. The state has to make sure that the water is safe for consumption and the quality must meet all standards before releasing any of it into the atmosphere.