Water Quality in Rochester, MN

Rochester's water has 4 contaminants above health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utility

ROCHESTER WATER SYSTEM

People Served

121,395

MCL Violations

0

Last Updated

Dec 22, 2024

Quick Summary

20
Contaminants Tested
4
Above Guidelines
Above EPA Limits
EPA Status
Same as state average

Contaminants Detected

⚠️ Contaminants Above Health Guidelines (4)

What is Radium 228?

Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.

Health Effects

Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other organs.

Affected Organs

BoneKidneysLiver

Common Sources

Natural depositsIndustrial discharge

Certified Filter Standards

View Recommended Filters →
Last Tested: Dec 22, 2024

What is Radium 226?

Radium-226 is a radioactive isotope of radium, which is a naturally occurring element found in uranium ores. It is a decay product of uranium-238 and is known for its radioactive properties, emitting alpha particles and gamma radiation.

Health Effects

Exposure to Radium-226 can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of bone cancer and other malignancies. It can accumulate in bones and tissues, leading to long-term health effects due to its radioactivity.

Affected Organs

BonesLiverKidneysNervous system

Common Sources

Natural depositsIndustrial discharge

Certified Filter Standards

View Recommended Filters →
Last Tested: Dec 22, 2024

What is Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)?

Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for TCA in drinking water have been developed based on liver toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. EPA has classified TCA as a possible human carcinogen. Developmental toxicity has also been associated with exposure to TCA based on evidence from animal studies.

Affected Organs

developmentalcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsLevels usually higher in surface water than groundwaterIndustrial release or natural chlorination of organic matter
Last Tested: Dec 22, 2024

What is Copper?

Naturally occurring metal that is widely used in plumbing, faucets, and fixtures

Health Effects

Health protective levels of copper in drinking water have been established based on potential adverse effects to the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and liver, especially for infants and children. Acute exposure to high copper levels uncommonly found in drinking water can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Affected Organs

kidneysgastrointestinalliver

Common Sources

Most copper in drinking water comes from household plumbingCorrosive water, which usually has low hardness and low pH, can dissolve metals in water pipes and fixtures into tap water, especially with newly installed pipesErosion of natural deposits and waste streams from industrial activity can increase copper levels in water as well
Last Tested: Dec 22, 2024

Understanding the Data

This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against health guidelines (HGL). Contaminants above the health guideline are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.

Recommended Water Filters for Rochester

Based on Rochester's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above health guidelines.

Our Pick
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
VRO-3Q VRO-3Q

GHP Group Inc.

VRO-3Q VRO-3Q

(9,525 reviews)
17.06

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

20.3 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
PUN3RO PUN3RO

GHP Group Inc.

PUN3RO PUN3RO

(1 reviews)
26.37

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

23.3 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
CMTRO-75[G] CMTRO-75[G]

Solventum Purification Inc.

CMTRO-75[G] CMTRO-75[G]

(3,011 reviews)
17.59

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

23.59 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
TRO508 TRO508

Senwater Systems, LLC.

TRO508 TRO508

(10,143 reviews)
25.45

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

11 gpd

Removes 17 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +12 more

View Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester's water has 4 contaminants above health guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Rochester's water.