WaterQ
New York State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Rochester tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
B

Mostly yes — Rochester scores 86/100.

Safety Score
86
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Rochester?

Read Decision Guide →

Rochester

New York

View New York state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Rochester tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Rochester scores 86/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 1 local system in Rochester. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 01:30 PM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Rochester.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Rochester?

Requirement Status
Optional
🟢
💡

Expert Advice

Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.

Buying a Filter?

Should you buy a water purifier in Rochester? See our analysis.

Baby Formula Safety

Is Rochester tap water safe for infants? Critical safety guide.

Homebuyer's Perspective

For those looking to relocate to Rochester, water quality is a key factor in long-term property maintenance. The high safety score (86/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Lead levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Rochester

0
Violations (5yr)
0
Unresolved
7
Contaminants Tracked
0
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Rochester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rochester tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Rochester scores 86/100.

How many water systems serve Rochester?

Rochester is served by 1 public water system in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Rochester?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Rochester.

What is the water quality score for Rochester?

The water quality score for Rochester is 86 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.

What are the top contaminants in Rochester?

The top contaminants detected in Rochester include Lead, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Total Trihalomethanes. View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
86/100
Grade
B
Water Systems
8
Population
752,981

Rochester Water Quality Summary

Rochester, NY receives a water quality score of 86/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 8 public water systems serving the area.

Rochester's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Rochester's score of 86 is 2 points above the New York state average of 84, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

For prospective homebuyers considering a move to Rochester, New York, the drinking water profile is typical of a large city in the Northeast, where older infrastructure and varied upstate geology shape local water conditions. Managing water safety across multiple distinct systems in this dense urban center presents unique challenges, though overall quality remains highly respectable. However, the presence of aging regional distribution networks suggests that residents should be mindful of how localized infrastructure might affect water character at the tap.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our New York water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Lead
14.5767 / 15 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 15 μg/L
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
2.0541 / 5 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 5 μg/L
Total Trihalomethanes
32.368 / 80 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 80 μg/L
Perchlorate
19.0375 / 56 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 56 μg/L
Atrazine
0.6604 / 3 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 3 μg/L
Radium-226
0.7019 / 5 pCi/L
0 pCi/L MCL: 5 pCi/L
Nitrite
0.1217 / 1 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1 mg/L

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Water Systems Serving Rochester (1)

Related

Compare Rochester water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality