City of Rochester expands major water compliance project to include Cobbs Hill Reservoir for enhanced safety and quality

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester’s long-term effort to modernize its drinking water system is taking another major step forward. Officials announced that the Reservoir LT2 Compliance Project—initially focused solely on Highland Reservoir—will now expand to include Cobbs Hill Reservoir as well. The expansion marks a broader commitment to bringing both of the city’s major water storage sites into full compliance with federal water safety standards.

The City of Rochester’s Water Bureau will host a second public meeting for the project at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, at Lake Riley Lodge, 100 Norris Drive. During this session, city representatives and project engineers will outline the next phase of work, review potential design solutions, and gather input from residents before construction plans are finalized.

The initiative stems from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), a federal regulation that requires open, finished water reservoirs to be either covered or equipped with approved treatment technologies to prevent contamination. The LT2 rule aims to safeguard drinking water supplies from disease-causing microorganisms and other environmental risks.

When Rochester first launched the compliance project in 2024, Highland Reservoir was the only focus. However, after further evaluation, officials determined that Cobbs Hill Reservoir—another vital part of the city’s water network—should be included in the assessment. The expansion ensures that both reservoirs will meet the same federal safety and water quality standards.

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City engineers emphasize that Highland and Cobbs Hill Reservoirs are essential to Rochester’s water distribution system. Each plays a critical role in maintaining water pressure, regulating flow, and ensuring a stable supply across neighborhoods. Without these reservoirs functioning properly, the city’s water service could become vulnerable to pressure drops or interruptions.

The upcoming meeting will feature a detailed presentation from the project team, followed by an open Q&A session. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about LT2 compliance requirements, discuss how potential construction or treatment upgrades could affect the community, and share feedback directly with the engineers and city staff overseeing the work.

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City officials are encouraging all interested community members to attend and take part in the discussion. The meeting offers a rare chance for residents to gain insight into how federal water safety rules shape local infrastructure projects—and how these efforts ultimately protect public health.

Those unable to attend in person can still stay informed. The Water Bureau is offering online updates and resources for anyone who wants to follow the project’s progress or review presentation materials after the event.

For more information or to sign up for project updates, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/LT2compliance.