Nitrate in Buffalo, NY Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Buffalo, New York · 586,209 residents · 44 ZIP codes
Water quality records for Buffalo, New York show Nitrate detections on file — a finding that places it among the contaminants worth tracking for this area.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Nitrate in Buffalo Tap Water
Nitrate has been detected in Buffalo, New York drinking water at a maximum level of 23 ppb — below the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen).
This analysis covers 586,209 residents across 44 ZIP codes in Buffalo.
Buffalo's overall water quality grade is C (62/100).
Is Nitrate in Buffalo Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
Nitrate Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Nitrate Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14201 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14202 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14203 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14204 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14205 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14206 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14207 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14208 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14209 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14210 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14211 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14212 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14213 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14214 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14215 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14216 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14217 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14218 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14219 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14220 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14221 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14222 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14223 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14224 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 14225 | 23 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| ...19 more ZIP codes |
Average nitrate level across Buffalo: 23 ppb
Health Effects of Nitrate
- Methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") in infants under 6 months
- Increased risk of colorectal and bladder cancer (long-term)
- Thyroid disease from chronic exposure
- Possible reproductive effects
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
How Nitrate Gets Into Drinking Water
- Agricultural fertilizer runoff
- Animal feedlot operations and manure
- Septic system leachate
- Urban stormwater and wastewater discharge
What to Do About Nitrate in Buffalo Water
- Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for nitrate removal
- Ion exchange systems designed for nitrate can also work
- Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate
- Boiling water increases nitrate concentration — never boil for nitrate
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for nitrate removal.