Water Quality in Buffalo, NY: 792 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Buffalo's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Buffalo, NY, the record shows 792 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality Map: Buffalo, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Buffalo
Water quality varies across Buffalo's 44 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14221 | D | 52 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14210 | C | 57 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14218 | C | 57 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14219 | C | 57 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14220 | C | 57 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14224 | C | 57 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14225 | C | 57 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14226 | C | 57 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14227 | C | 57 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14202 | C | 62 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14205 | C | 62 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14206 | C | 62 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14208 | C | 62 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14211 | C | 62 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
| 14215 | C | 62 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Buffalo, New York receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 62 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Buffalo have accumulated 792 EPA violations, including 44 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 44 ZIP codes serving approximately 737,796 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Buffalo's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Buffalo water systems is 0.0060 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 89% of homes built before 1986, Buffalo has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Buffalo is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Buffalo
Buffalo is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 737,796 people across 44 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 264 enforcement actions against water systems serving Buffalo. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Buffalo
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Buffalo Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Buffalo's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 264 | 44 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 132 | 44 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 44 | 44 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Buffalo. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-05 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-01 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-07-01 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-07-01 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-05.
Buffalo vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Buffalo's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | C | 792 | 5 | 737,796 |
| Rochester | C | 2948 | 5 | 744,762 |
| Syracuse | F | 504 | 5 | 542,280 |
| East Rochester | D | 0 | 1 | 496,753 |
Recommended Water Filters for Buffalo
Based on contaminants detected in Buffalo's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Nitrate
- Effectiveness: 85-95%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- iSpring RCC7AK
- APEC ROES-50
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Buffalo
Water quality varies across Buffalo's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14221 | 52 | D | 18 | 1 |
| 14210 | 57 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14218 | 57 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14219 | 57 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14220 | 57 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14224 | 57 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14225 | 57 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14226 | 57 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14227 | 57 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14202 | 62 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14240 | 67 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14231 | 67 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14222 | 67 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14217 | 67 | C | 18 | 1 |
| 14214 | 67 | C | 18 | 1 |
Common Questions About Buffalo Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Buffalo, New York:
Is Buffalo water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Buffalo's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Buffalo tap water? Buffalo's water receives a grade of C (62/100). There are 44 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Buffalo? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Buffalo vs. New York Average
Understanding how Buffalo compares to the broader New York average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Buffalo.
ZIP Codes in Buffalo
Buffalo spans 44 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 14201. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.