The Lake Effect You Can Control
Your water starts in Lake Ontario. By the time it reaches your tap, it can carry chlorine byproducts, lead, hard minerals, and contaminants that affect your family's health. We fix that.
What's Really in Rochester's Water?
Rochester's water meets EPA legal minimums — but “legal” and “safe” are not the same thing. Independent testing reveals 11 contaminants exceeding health advocacy guidelines.
Homes built before 1986 are at highest risk. City replacement won't finish until 2030.
Learn more →Just 1 ppb below the EPA legal maximum of 80 ppb. Linked to bladder cancer and liver damage.
Learn more →Classified as "hard water" — causing scale buildup, appliance damage, and dry skin.
Learn more →Detected at levels exceeding EWG health standards. A known carcinogen.
Learn more →How It Works
Getting clean water is simple. Here's our process.
Free Water Test
Our certified technician visits your home and tests your water on-site. Takes about 30 minutes. ($99 value — always free.)
Custom Recommendation
We analyze your results and recommend the right solution for your home's specific needs and your budget. No pressure.
Professional Installation
Our licensed installers handle everything. Most systems are installed in a single day with minimal disruption.
Water Treatment Solutions
Custom systems designed for Rochester's unique water challenges. Every recommendation is based on your home's actual water test results.
Whole-House Filtration
Remove chlorine, THMs, and sediment at the point of entry. Every tap delivers clean, filtered water.
Water Softeners
Rochester water averages 5-7.6 grains of hardness. Protect your pipes, appliances, and skin.
Reverse Osmosis
Up to 99% contaminant removal. The gold standard for safe drinking water, critical for lead reduction.
Lead Removal
1 in 3 Rochester water lines contains lead. Protect your family with NSF-certified lead reduction systems.
UV Purification
Chemical-free disinfection that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Essential for well water homes.
PFAS Removal
Remove harmful “forever chemicals” increasingly detected in Great Lakes water sources.
Why Rochester Families Choose Lake Effect
We're not a national franchise. We're not a plumbing company that does water treatment on the side. Water is all we do — and Rochester is all we serve.
Rochester's Water-Only Specialists
Unlike plumbing companies or multi-service contractors, water treatment is our entire focus. That means deeper expertise.
Born & Based in Rochester
We understand the dual-source water system (Hemlock Lake + Lake Ontario), the aging infrastructure, and what your specific neighborhood's water is like.
Honest, No-Pressure Approach
We'll never sell you something you don't need. If your water test comes back fine, we'll tell you. Our free test has no strings attached.
NSF-Certified Equipment Only
We only install independently certified systems with proven contaminant reduction claims. 92% of customers prefer certified products.
The Environmental Working Group rates Rochester water B- overall, with a “C” grade against health advocacy guidelines. That means 11 contaminants exceed levels that independent scientists recommend for safe drinking water.
Up 25% since 2020. Rochester families are increasingly aware that municipal treatment alone isn't enough — especially with aging lead pipes and rising contaminant levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester water safe to drink?
Rochester water meets all EPA legal limits. However, it has 11 contaminants exceeding health advocacy guidelines, THMs near the legal maximum, and 1 in 3 water lines contain lead. "Legal" and "healthy" are not the same thing.
Does my home have lead pipes?
If your home was built before 1986, there's a significant chance. 70% of Monroe County homes predate 1978. The city's lead service line replacement program won't be complete until 2030.
How much does a water filtration system cost?
Systems range from $300 for an under-sink RO to $5,000+ for a whole-house system with softener. Most Rochester homes benefit from a $2,000-$4,000 combination system. We offer financing options.
Do I need a whole-house system or just a drinking water filter?
It depends on your priorities. An under-sink RO handles drinking water safety (lead, PFAS). A whole-house system also protects your skin from chlorine and your appliances from hard water.
Find Out What's in Your Water
Every home is different. Our free in-home water test takes 30 minutes and tells you exactly what your family is drinking. No obligation, no pressure — just the facts.
Proudly Serving the Greater Rochester Area
Rochester • Greece • North Greece • Irondequoit • West Irondequoit • East Irondequoit • Charlotte • Webster • Penfield • Brighton • Pittsford • East Rochester • Fairport • Gates • North Gates • Chili • North Chili • Henrietta • Hilton • Spencerport • Brockport • Ontario • Walworth • West Walworth • Gananda • Victor • Perinton • Mendon • Rush • Scottsville • Westgate • Braddock • All of Monroe & Wayne Counties