Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18

The public EPA compliance record for Rochester, NY holds 2948 documented water violations - sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.

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

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rochester

Water quality varies across Rochester's 44 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
14612	C	65	67	2	View report →
14623	C	65	67	2	View report →
14625	C	65	67	2	View report →
14606	B	70	67	2	View report →
14617	B	70	67	2	View report →
14618	B	70	67	2	View report →
14622	B	70	67	2	View report →
14624	B	70	67	2	View report →
14626	B	70	67	2	View report →
14602	B	73	67	2	View report →
14603	B	73	67	2	View report →
14604	B	73	67	2	View report →
14605	B	73	67	2	View report →
14607	B	73	67	2	View report →
14608	B	73	67	2	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Rochester, New York receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 72 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

The 6 water systems serving Rochester have accumulated 2948 EPA violations, including 88 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 44 ZIP codes serving approximately 476,655 people.

What Grade B Means

A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Rochester's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.

Lead Levels

The average 90th percentile lead level across Rochester water systems is 0.0047 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.

With 85% of homes built before 1986, Rochester has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.

Radon Risk

Rochester is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.

Water Systems Serving Rochester

Rochester is served by 6 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 476,655 people across 44 ZIP codes.

Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:

• Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
• Report results to the EPA and state regulators
• Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
• Take corrective action when violations occur

The EPA has taken 440 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rochester. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.

How to Check Your Water in Rochester

1. Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores

2. Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants

3. Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel

4. Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics

5. Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Contaminants Detected in Rochester Water Systems

The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Rochester's water systems:

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.

EPA Enforcement History

The EPA and state regulators have taken 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rochester. Recent actions:

Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-21.

Rochester vs. Nearby New York Cities

How Rochester's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:

Recommended Water Filters for Rochester

Based on contaminants detected in Rochester's water supply, these filter types are recommended:

Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)

• Removes: Barium, Gross Alpha
• Effectiveness: 90-99%
• Cost range: $150–$500
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
• Recommended products:
  • Waterdrop G3P800
  • iSpring RCC7AK

Ion Exchange Water Softener (POE)

• Removes: Combined Radium
• Effectiveness: 90-97%
• Cost range: $500–$2500
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 44
• Recommended products:
  • Waterdrop G3P800
  • Fleck 5600SXT Softener

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rochester

Water quality varies across Rochester's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:

Common Questions About Rochester Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Rochester, New York:

Is Rochester water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Rochester's 6 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Rochester tap water? Rochester's water receives a grade of B (72/100). There are 88 health-based violations - consider filtration.

What is the best water filter for Rochester? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Rochester vs. New York Average

Understanding how Rochester compares to the broader New York average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.

To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Rochester.

ZIP Codes in Rochester

Rochester spans 44 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 14602. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.

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
• Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
• Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products

Updated daily.

Your Water is Safe - Here's How to Keep It That Way

Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:

Annual Water Testing

EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.

Maintenance Filtration

A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.

Plumbing Check

Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.