Is Rochester Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Rochester, NY tap water meets all EPA water quality standards, making it safe to drink. It undergoes regular testing for contaminants.
The city's water source is Lake Ontario, treated at advanced filtration plants. Disinfection and monitoring ensure safety from pathogens and pollutants.
Occasional advisory notices may occur but are promptly addressed. Residents should check local reports for updates. Overall, Rochester's tap water is reliably safe.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
United States is ranked as number 9 globally with a score of 96.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Rochester, United States
Rochester's main tap water source is Lake Ontario, supplying the majority of the city's water needs.
The water is drawn from intakes located offshore, minimizing contamination risks from shoreline activities.
Additionally, groundwater wells supplement the supply, especially during peak demand or maintenance of the primary system.
Rochester Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Rochester are maintained to meet health and safety standards, ensuring safe water delivery.
Routine cleaning and water quality testing support their safe use by the public.
Users should report any visible damage or contamination to authorities to maintain fountain safety and hygiene.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Rochester. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Saint Catharines
(131 km)
- Toronto
(157 km)
- Ottawa
(293 km)
- Florida
(336 km)
- New York
(403 km)
- Philadelphia
(410 km)
About the Author

Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job — it's something I truly care about.