Copper in Rochester, NY Drinking Water
Copper data for Rochester, New York · 744,762 residents · 44 ZIP codes
For residents of Rochester, New York, Copper has appeared in public water supply sampling data.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Copper in Rochester Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Rochester, New York drinking water at a maximum level of 13000 ppb — 10x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 744,762 residents across 44 ZIP codes in Rochester.
Rochester's overall water quality grade is C (57/100).
Is Copper in Rochester Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14602 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14603 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14604 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14605 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14606 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14607 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14608 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14609 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14610 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14611 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14612 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14613 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14614 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14615 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14616 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14617 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14618 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14619 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14620 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14621 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14622 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14623 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14624 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14625 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 14626 | 13000 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| ...19 more ZIP codes |
Average copper level across Rochester: 13000 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Rochester Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.