146,011,460,214,603 · Lake Ontario

Rochester, NY

Low Risk Updated March 2026 750,000 residents

View Filter Recommendations

82

Purity Score

Water Quality Data

PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

No PFAS detected above EPA action levels.

PFAS in Rochester

Not detected (6.2 ppb)

No lead detected above EPA action levels.

Lead in Rochester

5.7 gpg (Moderate)

Hardness levels are manageable for most households.

Hard water in Rochester

Chlorine can affect taste and skin. A carbon filter removes it easily.

Learn about chlorine

EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L. Approaching limit.

Learn about arsenic

Nitrate

0.5 mg/L

EPA limit: 10 mg/L. Within safe range.

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

Unknown

TDS includes minerals, salts, and metals. High TDS (>500 ppm) may affect taste and requires RO for reduction.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS

ND

Lead

6.2 ppb

Nitrate

0.5 mg/L

Arsenic

0.2 mg/L

Fluoride

0.7 mg/L

Copper

0.42 mg/L

Hardness

5.7 gpg

Values shown in respective units

Health Insights

1
Chlorine levels are within EPA limits but may affect taste and smell.

Current Score

82 / 100

Good

"Good" threshold (70)

Rochester tap water is sourced from Lake Ontario and treated by Monroe County Water Authority. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

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We've matched the best filters for Rochester's specific water issues.

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RECOMMENDED SOLUTION FOR ROCHESTER

The Best Water Filter For Rochester Homes

Matched to local water issues and filtration standards.

Best for Rochester

Waterdrop 10UA Under-Sink Filter — Under-Sink Carbon Filter

Waterdrop 10UA Under-Sink Filter

Under-Sink Carbon Filter

Price Range $40–60

Top Pick for Rochester

Waterdrop 10UA Under-Sink Filter

Rochester has elevated chlorine residuals. An under-sink carbon filter removes chlorine and disinfection byproducts at the tap.

Why this fits Rochester

Removes chlorine and chloramine taste and odor
Reduces disinfection byproducts THMs and HAAs
Easy installation and filter lasts 6 to 12 months

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As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices may vary.

Want to know exactly what's in YOUR tap?

City reports show averages. Your home may be different — especially with older pipes.

Buy Test Kit on Amazon ($25–30)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rochester NY tap water safe to drink in 2026?

Rochester tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 82/100 (Good) on PurityMap for 2026. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.

Does Rochester NY use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?

Rochester uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.3 ppm. Chloramine is harder to remove than free chlorine and requires a catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Standard Brita-style pitchers will NOT remove chloramine.

How hard is Rochester NY water and what is the TDS level?

Rochester water hardness is 5.7 grains per gallon (moderate) with a TDS of 160 ppm (good). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.

Has PFAS been found in Rochester NY drinking water?

Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Rochester drinking water.

Nearby Water Quality Reports

Buffalo New York — 77/100 Troy New York — 82/100 Schenectady New York — 82/100 Yonkers New York — 82/100 Albany New York — 82/100 Utica New York — 85/100

View all New York cities

Explore Water Quality by State

Compare water quality reports across all 50 US states

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Data Sources & Methodology

EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
EWG Tap Water Database
Monroe County Water Authority Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

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