New York · population 276,617
Lead pipes in Buffalo, NY
34,318 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Buffalo (population 276,617) gets its water from Buffalo Water Authority. That system reported 34,208 lead and 110 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 76,593, with 35,839 more of unknown material.
45% of Buffalo Water Authority's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, 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%
Latest lead test for Buffalo Water Authority (Jan 2026–Jun 2026): 3 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Buffalo Water Authority.
Water systems serving Buffalo
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Water AuthorityMain system | 34,208 | 110 | 35,839 | 45% |
| Ecwa DirectAlso serves parts of the city | 248 | 4,798 | 15,383 | 4.5% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
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 address in Buffalo
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Buffalo Water Authority's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Sloan5,046 lead + galv. lines
- Kenmore12 lead + galv. lines
- Lackawanna5,046 lead + galv. lines
- Blasdell5,046 lead + galv. lines
- Williamsville59 lead + galv. lines
- Depew5,046 lead + galv. lines
- Tonawanda5,046 lead + galv. lines
- Lancaster5,046 lead + galv. lines
Check another water system
Questions
Does Buffalo, NY have lead pipes?
Yes. Buffalo Water Authority, which serves Buffalo, reported 34,208 lead and 110 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 35,839 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Buffalo?
EPA's service area maps place most of Buffalo in Buffalo Water Authority's service area (PWSID NY1400422). Ecwa Direct also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Buffalo home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Buffalo Water Authority's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Buffalo be 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 your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.