Water quality testing
The City of Rochester prides itself on providing safe, reliable, high quality water to our customers. We ensure our water is safe from source to tap by conducting over 1,500 physical, chemical and microbiological tests from locations throughout the system each month.
Most of these tests are performed in our New York State (NYS) certified laboratory located at the Hemlock Water Treatment Facility. For less routine testing requiring highly specialized equipment, samples are sent to a NYS accredited laboratory under contract with the City.
EPA Compliance & Routine Testing
The many tests performed on our water each year are reported to the New York State Department of Health and US Environmental Protection Agency. Test results show that our water is in compliance with all drinking water regulations. You can review a summary of these test results in our Annual Water Quality Report.
Award Winning
The City's Hemlock Water Treatment Facility has received the American Water Works Partnership for Safe Water Director's Award 16 years in a row. This award is given to water plants that meet water quality standards far beyond what is required by Federal regulations.
Get Your Water Tested For Free-
If you have any concerns about water quality at your home or business, our Water Quality Lab staff are able to perform additional testing to determine if there is a problem. Water quality issues we can assist with include taste and odor, discoloration or cloudiness, lead in tap water or general health concerns. To have your water tested, call the laboratory directly at (585) 428-6680 Ext 1 or email us at watertest@cityofrochester.gov. Please include your name, phone number, and home address in your email.