Water Quality in Rochester, NY

Rochester's water has hard water (162 PPM). Read below for a full breakdown.

Monroe County Water Authority · Source: Hemlock Lake, Canadice Lake · Serves 211,328 residents

162
Hardness (PPM)
228
TDS (PPM)
0.9
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
5
Lead (ppb)
162 PPM 0 400 Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 162 PPM TDS 228 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 5 ppb Chlorine 0.9 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Rochester Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Hard waterLead

Clean Finger Lakes sources but hardness from limestone bedrock.

What Rochester's Water Means for Your Home

Rochester's water is hard at 162 PPM. This level of hardness causes gradual scale accumulation on plumbing fixtures, inside water heaters, and on dishware. While not as aggressive as cities in the 200+ PPM range, homeowners who install a water softener or salt-free conditioner typically notice improved soap lathering, cleaner dishes, and longer appliance lifespans.

Beyond hardness, Rochester's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.9 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)162 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Hard
Total Dissolved Solids228 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead5 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.9 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Rochester Homes

💧 Water Softener or Conditioner
At 162 PPM, Rochester's water is hard. You will see gradual scale buildup on fixtures and inside water heaters. A salt-based softener removes hardness completely, while a salt-free conditioner prevents scale without removing the minerals. Your choice depends on whether you want soft-feeling water or just scale prevention.
Learn more about this solution →

About Rochester's Water Supply

Water Utility: Monroe County Water Authority

Water Source: Hemlock Lake, Canadice Lake

Population Served: 211,328

Hardness: 162 PPM (9.5 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Monroe County Water Authority. 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 Rochester to Other New York Cities

New York

25 PPM · Soft

Buffalo

142 PPM · Hard

Yonkers

45 PPM · Slightly Hard

Syracuse

43 PPM · Slightly Hard

Albany

39 PPM · Slightly Hard

White Plains

40 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester Water

Is Rochester tap water safe to drink?
Rochester's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. 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 Rochester?
It is worth considering. At 162 PPM, Rochester's water is hard. You will notice gradual scale buildup in pipes and on fixtures over time. A salt-based softener extends appliance life and improves soap efficiency. A salt-free conditioner is a lower-maintenance alternative if you primarily want to prevent scale.
What water filter is best for Rochester?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Rochester's water come from?
Rochester's drinking water is sourced from Hemlock Lake, Canadice Lake and treated by Monroe County Water Authority. Clean Finger Lakes sources but hardness from limestone bedrock..
What is the hardness of Rochester water in grains per gallon?
Rochester's water hardness is 9.5 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 162 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Rochester water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 9.5 GPG, Rochester's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Rochester water safe for babies and infants?
Rochester'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.
How much does hard water cost a Rochester household per year?
At 162 PPM, hard water costs the average Rochester household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Rochester households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

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