The City of Rochester’s primary water supply is from Canadice and Hemlock Lakes, located approximately 28 miles south of Rochester in Livingston and RushOntario Counties. Water from these lakes is treated at the Hemlock Water Filtration Plant and then transmitted to the City using a system of tunnels, conduits, and storage reservoirs.

The City offers tours of the water filtration plant and the three open-air reservoirs: Cobbs Hill, Highland, and Rush. To schedule a appointment for a free tour, or if you have questions or concerns, please call the Bureau of Water at (585) 428-6680, Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Also, the plant can be reached anytime at (585) 428-3646.

The construction of the plant began in 1991 and was completed in 1993. Here are some photographs of the construction of the Water Treatment Plant. Click any image to enlarge.