Buffalo, NY · PWSID NY1400422
Buffalo Water Authority lead service lines
34,318 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Buffalo Water Authority reported 34,208 lead and 110 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 76,593 in its inventory. That's 45% of all its lines. Another 35,839 (47%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #2 of 490 New York systems with confirmed lead lines, and #9 nationally.
45% of Buffalo Water Authority's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the New York average (7.6%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 45%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.1%
- Unknown 47%
- Non-lead 8.4%
Total service lines reported: 76,593. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 276,000; 80,000 connections.
Lead test results
Buffalo Water Authority's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2026–Jun 2026) was 3 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 34,318 in 2025 Q1 to 34,318 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 35,839 to 35,839, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Buffalo Water Authority. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2024 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Buffalo Water Authority's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs).
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Replacement program
Help for eligible households
Buffalo Water runs a lead service line replacement program funded by federal grants and interest-free financing, with 2026 funding aimed at low-income households.
- Check your address and sign up at getwaterwisebuffalo.org.
- Or call 311.
Checked November 2026. Sources: thebuffalocriterion.com. Programs and funding change, so confirm with the utility. Programs in other cities.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Buffalo Water Authority whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Erie County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Buffalo Water Authority's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
1420114202142031420414206142071420814209142101421114212142131421414215142161422014222
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Ecwa Direct | 5,046 | 15,383 |
| Ecwa Amherst | 59 | 1,514 |
| Ecwa Evans | 34 | 1,071 |
| Ecwa Hamburg (V) | 173 | 1,392 |
| Akron Village | 46 | 406 |
| Angola Village | 18 | 494 |
| Alden Village | 38 | 0 |
| North Collins Village | 32 | 250 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Buffalo Water Authority have lead pipes?
Yes. Buffalo Water Authority reported 34,208 lead service lines and 110 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 76,593 total. 35,839 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Buffalo Water Authority's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Buffalo Water Authority replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Buffalo Water Authority had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Buffalo Water Authority.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Buffalo Water Authority lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/ny/buffalo-water-authority/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.