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WaterSafeCheck

Buffalo, NY Tap Water Quality

Water safety reports for all 44 ZIP codes in Buffalo, New York

Average Score

62/100

Health Violations

44

ZIP Codes

44

High Lead Risk

27

of 44 ZIP codes

C

About Tap Water in Buffalo, NY

Water quality in Buffalo, NY is currently rated with a moderate C grade (average score: 62/100 across 44 ZIP codes). This rating indicates that while the water provided by Buffalo Water Authority is treated and regulated, there have been notable compliance issues or contaminant detections recently. Residents should stay informed about the specific challenges affecting their local supply.

The accumulation of 44 health-based violations over the past 5 years highlights systemic challenges within Buffalo's water infrastructure. When violations occur, it means that drinking water tests revealed contaminant levels exceeding safe limits, triggering mandatory corrective actions by New York State Department of Health. The city relies on surface water, which may require significant treatment upgrades to address these recurring issues.

Additionally, lead exposure risk remains a critical issue for certain neighborhoods. EPA data indicates that 27 out of 44 ZIP codes in Buffalo are rated as High or Very High risk for lead. This risk is often driven by aging homes with pre-1986 plumbing containing lead solder or service lines. Families in these areas should test their tap water and consider NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Buffalo are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Health-Based Contaminant Violations in Buffalo

EPA records indicate that the following contaminants have exceeded Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in Buffalo water systems over the past 5 years.

Contaminant 0700

Note: The presence of a past violation does not necessarily mean current water is unsafe. Utilities are required to take corrective action. Review your Consumer Confidence Report for the latest status.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Buffalo, NY

Click any ZIP code for the full water quality report

C
14201

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14203

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14204

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14207

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14209

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14212

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14213

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14214

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14217

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14222

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14231

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14240

Buffalo, NY

Score: 67/1001 violation
C
14202

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14205

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14206

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14208

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14211

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14215

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14216

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14223

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14228

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14233

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14241

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14260

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14261

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14263

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14264

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14265

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14267

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14269

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14270

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14272

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14273

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14276

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14280

Buffalo, NY

Score: 62/1001 violation
C
14210

Buffalo, NY

Score: 57/1001 violation
C
14218

Buffalo, NY

Score: 57/1001 violation
C
14219

Buffalo, NY

Score: 57/1001 violation
C
14220

Buffalo, NY

Score: 57/1001 violation
C
14224

Buffalo, NY

Score: 57/1001 violation
C
14225

Buffalo, NY

Score: 57/1001 violation
C
14226

Buffalo, NY

Score: 57/1001 violation
C
14227

Buffalo, NY

Score: 57/1001 violation
D
14221

Buffalo, NY

Score: 52/1001 violation

Frequently Asked Questions — Buffalo Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in Buffalo, NY?+
Tap water in Buffalo has a grade of C, indicating compliance concerns in recent years. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking.
What is the water quality score for Buffalo?+
The average water quality score across 44 ZIP codes in Buffalo, NY is 62/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Buffalo have lead in its tap water?+
27 out of 44 ZIP codes in Buffalo are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
How do I get the water quality report for Buffalo?+
Each ZIP code in Buffalo has a full water quality report on this site — click any ZIP code below. You can also get the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your local water utility. The CCR is required to be published every year by July 1 and contains actual contaminant measurements and violation history.
Where does Buffalo's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Buffalo, NY primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

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