Water systems serving Rochester hold a strong EPA compliance record — the city places among the better-performing areas in NY with few health-based violations on file.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

Water Quality Map: Rochester, NY

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 44 ZIP codes in Rochester, New York (population ~476,655), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 747,762 people region-wide.

44 of 44 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 88 health-based violations documented.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Rochester: B (72/100)

The score combines three factors:

Factor	What It Measures
Water Quality	EPA violations and compliance history
Lead Levels	90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level
Radon Risk	EPA radon zone classification

Water Sources

Rochester water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.

Lead & Copper

• Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0047 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
• 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)

• Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
• Zone 2 (Moderate): 44 ZIP codes
• Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Top Contaminants

Areas with Most Violations

All ZIP Codes in Rochester

• 14602 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14603 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14604 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14605 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14606 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14607 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14608 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14609 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14610 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14611 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14612 [C] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14613 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14614 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14615 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14616 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14617 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14618 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14619 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14620 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14621 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14622 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14623 [C] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14624 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14625 [C] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14626 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14627 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14638 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14639 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14642 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14643 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14644 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14645 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14646 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14647 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14649 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14650 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14651 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14652 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14653 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14664 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14673 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14683 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14692 [B] — 67 violations ⚠
• 14694 [B] — 67 violations ⚠

Data Sources

• Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
• Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
• Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones

Updated daily.

Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Rochester Homeowners

For most Rochester homeowners, estimated remediation represents a moderate equity share — manageable with planning.

Median Home Value

$172,200

Est. Remediation

$1,945

Remediation as % of home value 1.1%

Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Rochester. The estimated $1,241–$2,770 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 52% below the New York average.

Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Rochester

0.0047

mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

Lead risk in Rochester appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

Flood & Climate Risk in Rochester

Although Rochester's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 467 claims and FEMA maps place 34% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.

467

Total FEMA Flood Claims

$3,665

Avg Claim Payout

34%

ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones

~23

Est. Claims/Year

Rochester has a moderate flood history with 467 FEMA claims averaging $3,665 per payout. 34% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.

How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,945</strong> remediation cost per household.

Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.

Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.