City Seeks Public Input for Reservoir Improvement Projects

The City of Rochester is inviting residents to attend the next public meeting on the future of the Highland and Cobbs Hill reservoirs. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Olmsted Lodge, Highland Park, 171 Reservoir Ave.  

The meeting is part of an ongoing study evaluating options to improve Rochester’s drinking water system and comply with federal drinking water regulations.  

In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), which requires public water systems with uncovered finished-water reservoirs to either cover those reservoirs or provide additional treatment to protect against harmful microorganisms.  

At the June 24 meeting, City staff and project consultants will present the alternatives under consideration and discuss the Environmental Impact Statement that will be prepared as part of the State Environmental Quality Review process.  

The reservoir study began in September 2024 and is expected to be completed in summer 2027. Public input is an important part of the process and will help guide the project’s final recommendations.  

For more information about the project, visit the City’s Reservoir Improvement webpage,  www.cityofrochester.gov/lt2compliance.