WaterQ
New York State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Buffalo tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
A

Mostly yes — Buffalo scores 98/100.

Safety Score
98
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Buffalo?

Read Decision Guide →

Buffalo

New York

View New York state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Buffalo tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Buffalo scores 98/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 1 local system in Buffalo. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 11:15 AM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Buffalo.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Buffalo?

Requirement Status
Optional
🟢
💡

Expert Advice

Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.

Buying a Filter?

Should you buy a water purifier in Buffalo? See our analysis.

Baby Formula Safety

Is Buffalo tap water safe for infants? Critical safety guide.

Homebuyer's Perspective

For those looking to relocate to Buffalo, water quality is a key factor in long-term property maintenance. The high safety score (98/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Buffalo

0
Violations (5yr)
0
Unresolved
8
Contaminants Tracked
0
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Buffalo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buffalo tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Buffalo scores 98/100.

How many water systems serve Buffalo?

Buffalo is served by 1 public water system in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Buffalo?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Buffalo.

What is the water quality score for Buffalo?

The water quality score for Buffalo is 98 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.

What are the top contaminants in Buffalo?

The top contaminants detected in Buffalo include Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Fluoride, Arsenic. View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
98/100
Grade
A
Water Systems
10
Population
793,308

Buffalo Water Quality Summary

Buffalo, NY receives a water quality score of 98/100 (Grade A) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 10 public water systems serving the area.

Buffalo's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Buffalo's score of 98 is 14 points above the New York state average of 84, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

For homebuyers considering a move to this large Northeast city, Buffalo's drinking water stands out for its exceptional quality and top-tier performance, which is especially reassuring given the region's characteristic dense urban centers and older infrastructure. Residents here are served by a network of multiple water systems that successfully navigate the unique geological conditions of upstate New York. This strong showing indicates that despite the age of regional infrastructure, local water processing remains highly effective and reliable for everyday household needs.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our New York water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
4.6639 / 5 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 5 μg/L
Fluoride
2.1054 / 4 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 4 mg/L
Arsenic
3.5924 / 10 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 10 μg/L
Nitrite
0.1897 / 1 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1 mg/L
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
0.0006 / 0.004 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 0.004 μg/L
Nitrate
1.329 / 10 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 10 mg/L
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
0.0005 / 0.004 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 0.004 μg/L
Selenium
4.0569 / 50 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 50 μg/L

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Water Systems Serving Buffalo (1)

Related

Compare Buffalo water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality