Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT

Rochester School District (NY): 88 Health Violations

44 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · 19,029,602 people served · Updated 2026-06-03

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

B · 72
Avg Safety Score
44
ZIP Codes
6
Water Systems
2948
Violations (5yr)
0.0047 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
Zone 2
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Rochester School District in New York spans 44 ZIP codes served by 6 community water systems, providing water to approximately 19,029,602 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (72/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 65/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 59% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0047 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0047 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 44 —

EPA Violation History

88 health-based violations recorded across 44 of 44 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 1012 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 528 No 44
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 264 No 44
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 264 Yes 44
Contaminant 2049 Other 176 No 44
Contaminant 2959 Other 132 No 44
Lead Inorganic 88 No 44
Contaminant 1045 Other 44 No 44
Contaminant 2806 Other 44 No 44

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
14602 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14603 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14604 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14605 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14606 Rochester B (70) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14607 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14608 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14609 Rochester B (75) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14610 Rochester B (75) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14611 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14612 Rochester C (65) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14613 Rochester B (75) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14614 Rochester B (75) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14615 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14616 Rochester B (75) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14617 Rochester B (70) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14618 Rochester B (70) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14619 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14620 Rochester B (75) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14621 Rochester B (75) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14622 Rochester B (70) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14623 Rochester C (65) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14624 Rochester B (70) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14625 Rochester C (65) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14626 Rochester B (70) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14627 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14638 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14639 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14642 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14643 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14644 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14645 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14646 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14647 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14649 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14650 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14651 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14652 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14653 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14664 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14673 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14683 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14692 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No
14694 Rochester B (73) 67 2 0.0047 mg/L No

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  5. Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Rochester School District schools?

Water systems serving Rochester School District have recorded 88 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Rochester School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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