Water Quality in New Rochelle, NY

New Rochelle's water has PFAS above EPA limits (6 ppt). An activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels. Read below for a full breakdown.

United Water New Rochelle · Source: NYC system reservoirs · Serves 79,726 residents

28
Hardness (PPM)
67
TDS (PPM)
1
Chlorine (mg/L)
6
PFAS (ppt)
5
Lead (ppb)
28 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 28 PPM TDS 67 PPM PFAS 6 ppt Lead 5 ppb Chlorine 1 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where New Rochelle Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
PFAS above EPA limit

New Rochelle receives treated NYC watershed water supplemented by local wells. The blend is soft.

What New Rochelle's Water Means for Your Home

New Rochelle's water is slightly hard at 28 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in New Rochelle, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

PFAS contamination is a significant concern in New Rochelle. At 6 parts per trillion, levels exceed the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they are called "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, and immune system effects. A whole-house activated carbon filter or point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS to safe levels. Look for NSF P473 certification when comparing products.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)28 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids67 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)6 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)⚠ Above limit
Lead5 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for New Rochelle Homes

🔬 Activated Carbon Filter for PFAS
PFAS detected at 6 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. A whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS. Look for NSF P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFAS removal.
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About New Rochelle's Water Supply

Water Utility: United Water New Rochelle

Water Source: NYC system reservoirs

Population Served: 79,726

Hardness: 28 PPM (1.6 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by United Water New Rochelle. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare New Rochelle to Other New York Cities

New York

25 PPM · Soft

Buffalo

142 PPM · Hard

Yonkers

45 PPM · Slightly Hard

Rochester

162 PPM · Hard

Syracuse

43 PPM · Slightly Hard

Albany

39 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About New Rochelle Water

Is New Rochelle tap water safe to drink?
New Rochelle's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. PFAS levels exceed the 2024 EPA health standard, which is a concern for long-term exposure. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in New Rochelle?
No. At 28 PPM, New Rochelle's water is very soft. A water softener would provide no benefit here. Focus on filtration if you have specific contaminant concerns.
What water filter is best for New Rochelle?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For PFAS, look for a filter with NSF P473 certification. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis systems are both effective. Standard carbon pitcher filters may not remove PFAS adequately. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does New Rochelle's water come from?
New Rochelle's drinking water is sourced from NYC system reservoirs and treated by United Water New Rochelle. New Rochelle receives treated NYC watershed water supplemented by local wells. The blend is soft.
What is the hardness of New Rochelle water in grains per gallon?
New Rochelle's water hardness is 1.6 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 28 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does New Rochelle water damage tankless water heaters?
At 1.6 GPG, New Rochelle's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is New Rochelle water safe for babies and infants?
New Rochelle's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the United Water New Rochelle Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.