Planning Today for Rochester’s Water Future

For more than 110 years, Rochester has relied on a safe and reliable water system to serve our community. As Rochester continues to grow, RPU is looking ahead to ensure that same level of service continues for generations to come.

Rochester currently uses groundwater as its drinking water source, but growing demand, evolving water quality standards and state requirements mean we need to carefully evaluate how we will meet the community’s long-term water needs. Annual water demand is projected to grow from approximately 4.8 billion gallons today to 8.1 billion gallons by 2065.

To prepare for these changing needs, RPU is taking a comprehensive look at Rochester’s water system and how we can best meet the community’s needs for decades to come. This work includes extensive groundwater modeling and evaluating potential groundwater and surface water sources. The goal is to better understand our options and determine a responsible, sustainable path forward that protects our natural resources while providing the water our growing community needs.

Results from the current study are expected this fall and will help guide future planning for water supply, treatment and distribution. At the same time, we will continue making strategic investments in our existing water infrastructure to maintain the safe, reliable service our customers depend on every day.

Planning for our water future is a long-term effort, but the goal is simple: make thoughtful decisions today to ensure Rochester has safe, reliable and sustainable water for the next generation and beyond.