Monroe County Water Authority Addresses Chlorine Levels After Pipe Breaks

Seasonal changes, not water main issues, impact chlorine concentrations in drinking water

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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With more than a dozen water main breaks in the Rochester area this winter, a viewer asked News10NBC if the water main breaks are causing the Monroe County Water Authority to use more chlorine in the drinking water. The Water Authority responded that they do not increase chlorine levels due to water main breaks, but seasonal changes in water temperature can influence chlorine concentrations in the distribution system.

Why it matters

Residents have raised concerns about the smell of chlorine in their tap water, which could indicate potential water quality issues. The Water Authority's explanation helps address these concerns and reassure the community that chlorine levels are being properly monitored and maintained within typical ranges.

The details

The Water Authority explained that in colder temperatures, chlorine depletes more slowly in drinking water, resulting in slightly higher concentrations during winter compared to summer. They monitor chlorine levels daily and assure that they remain within a typical range for this time of year.

  • This winter, there have been more than a dozen water main breaks across the Rochester area.

The players

Monroe County Water Authority

The public water utility that provides drinking water to Monroe County, New York.

Kathy

A viewer who contacted News10NBC with a question about chlorine levels in the drinking water.

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What they’re saying

“Is the Monroe County Water Authority using more chlorine in our drinking water due to the recent water main breaks around the area? I can smell it whenever I fill a glass from the tap.”

— Kathy (News10NBC)

“Seasonal changes in water temperature can influence chlorine concentrations in the distribution system.”

— Monroe County Water Authority, Representative (News10NBC)

What’s next

The Monroe County Water Authority encourages residents with concerns about their tap water to call their customer service line at (585) 442-7200.

The takeaway

While water main breaks can sometimes impact water quality, in this case the higher chlorine levels are due to seasonal changes in water temperature, not the pipe breaks themselves. The Water Authority is closely monitoring chlorine levels to ensure they remain within normal ranges for this time of year.