City of Rochester invites residents to share feedback on long term reservoir improvement plans for Highland and Cobbs Hill water systems

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester is moving forward with its long-term effort to improve its drinking water system, and officials are once again asking residents to be part of the conversation. A new public meeting has been scheduled to gather input on future plans for the Highland and Cobbs Hill reservoirs, two key parts of the city’s water infrastructure.

The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Olmsted Lodge in Highland Park, located at 171 Reservoir Ave. City representatives say the goal is simple but important: hear directly from residents while also explaining the technical options being considered for the reservoirs.

This process is not new. It is part of a larger study that began in September 2024 and is expected to continue through the summer of 2027. Over these years, engineers, consultants, and city staff have been reviewing how to bring the water system into compliance with federal requirements while also weighing costs, environmental impact, and long-term reliability.

Read also: Travel Alliance Partnership leads 2026 Greater Rochester Chamber MWBE Awards as fastest growing business in the region

At the center of the discussion is a federal regulation known as the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2006. The rule requires public water systems that operate uncovered finished-water reservoirs to either fully cover those reservoirs or add extra treatment measures to protect against harmful microorganisms. For Rochester, this means the city must choose a path forward for Highland and Cobbs Hill.

During the June 24 meeting, city staff and project consultants are expected to present several alternatives that are still under review. These options are part of a broader Environmental Impact Statement that will be prepared under the State Environmental Quality Review process. The analysis is meant to examine how each potential solution could affect the environment, public health, and surrounding neighborhoods.

City officials emphasize that no final decision has been made. Instead, they are still in the evaluation phase, where public feedback plays a major role. Residents attending the meeting will have the opportunity to hear technical explanations, ask questions, and share concerns before recommendations are finalized.

The reservoirs themselves are a visible and long-standing part of Rochester’s landscape, especially in Highland Park and the Cobbs Hill area. Any changes to their structure or operation could have lasting effects, which is why the city is encouraging active participation from the community throughout the process.

Read also: Rochester officials revoke occupancy certificate for Wyndham Hotel after repeated safety concerns remain unaddressed

Officials say public input is not just encouraged but essential, as it will help shape the final direction of the project. The feedback gathered during this phase will be reviewed alongside engineering studies and environmental assessments before any long-term decisions are made.

More information about the project, including updates and background materials, is available on the City’s Reservoir Improvement webpage at www.cityofrochester.gov/lt2compliance.