Is Rochester, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com Rochester, WA — Water Quality Report
Rochester's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,005 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 79 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rochester's water
Rochester ranks #96 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Rochester relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Rochester may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rochester, WA water safe to drink?
Rochester's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,005 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rochester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rochester's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Dalapon, Picloram, Dinoseb.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rochester's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Rochester's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Thurston County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Chehalis River.
Where does Rochester's water come from?
Rochester's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,005 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chehalis River (river).
What Rochester residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rochester's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Rochester's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Rochester
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rochester, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES- CENTRALIA CENTRALIA, WA98531 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
TRUCK ACCESSORIES GROUP LLC DBA PACE EDWARDS CENTRALIA, WA98531 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Rochester
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CENTRALIA MUNICIPAL LANDFILL9.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Thurston County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rochester's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rochester compares by contaminant
Explore where Rochester ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rochester's water comes from
Rochester's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 2,005 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Rochester
Rochester is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rochester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCHESTER | WA5373300 | 1,762 | GW |
| GRANDVIEW VALLEY ESTATES | WA5328967 | 138 | GW |
| PRAIRIE VISTA | WA5305316 | 63 | GW |
| SUNSETVUE | WA5363921 | 42 | GW |
How Rochester compares
Full Washington rankings →Rochester's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Rochester, WA
Wikipedia →Rochester is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Rochester had a population of 13,035. It is a northern suburb in Metro Detroit located 20 miles north of the city of Detroit.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rochester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Thurston
Frequently asked questions
Is Rochester, WA tap water safe to drink?
Rochester's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #96 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Rochester's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Rochester's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Rochester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rochester's water come from?
Rochester's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,005 residents.
What health violations has Rochester's water system had?
Rochester has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rochester's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rochester uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 79 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Rochester's water compare to other cities?
Rochester ranks #96 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 67% of state cities) and #5459 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.