New York · population 207,282
Lead pipes in Rochester, NY
16,640 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Rochester (population 207,282) gets its water from Rochester City. That system reported 14,648 lead and 1,992 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 59,501, with 16,142 more of unknown material.
28% of Rochester City's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, higher than the New York average (7.6%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 25%
- Galvanized (replace) 3.3%
- Unknown 27%
- Non-lead 45%
Latest lead test for Rochester City (Jan 2026–Jun 2026): 5.8 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015, 1 health-based, 1 still open for Rochester City.
Water systems serving Rochester
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester CityMain system | 14,648 | 1,992 | 16,142 | 28% |
| McWaAlso serves parts of the city | 107 | 3,264 | 9,987 | 1.9% |
| Sylvan Glades W.C.Also serves parts of the city | 0 | 0 | 36 | 0% |
| Lucas Estates Water CompanyAlso serves parts of the city | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
Check your address in Rochester
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Rochester City's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Pittsford3,371 lead + galv. lines
- East Rochester3,371 lead + galv. lines
- Spencerport3,371 lead + galv. lines
- Fairport3,371 lead + galv. lines
- Webster3,371 lead + galv. lines
- Hilton3,371 lead + galv. lines
- Scottsville3,371 lead + galv. lines
- Churchville3,371 lead + galv. lines
Check another water system
Questions
Does Rochester, NY have lead pipes?
Yes. Rochester City, which serves Rochester, reported 14,648 lead and 1,992 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 16,142 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Rochester?
EPA's service area maps place most of Rochester in Rochester City's service area (PWSID NY2704518). McWa, Sylvan Glades W.C., Lucas Estates Water Company also serve parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Rochester home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Rochester City's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Rochester be replaced?
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Rochester City whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.