Lead Service Lines in Buffalo, New York
Buffalo Water Authority serves about 276,000 people across the city. Like many older water systems, Buffalo has some lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water lines underground. This page explains what Buffalo Water Authority has found and what you can do about it.
What Buffalo Water Authority knows about lead service lines
Buffalo Water Authority has inventoried 7,406 service lines so far. Here's what they found:
- 10 confirmed lead service lines
- 5,610 non-lead service lines (copper, plastic, or other safe materials)
- 1,786 service lines with unknown materials
- 0 galvanized lines flagged for replacement
The "unknown" pipes are the ones the utility hasn't yet inspected or documented. This is common in older cities—records may be incomplete, or the pipe material is hard to identify without excavation.
Why this matters
Even small amounts of lead in drinking water can be a health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. Lead exposure can affect learning and development. If you live in Buffalo and haven't had your service line checked, it's worth doing.
If you're worried about your health, contact your doctor or the CDC's lead information line. Don't rely on water taste or appearance—lead is invisible and odorless.
What you can do right now
Find out if your line has lead. Contact Buffalo Water Authority directly and ask them to check your service line. They may have records, or they can schedule an inspection. This is free or low-cost in most cases.
Reduce exposure while you wait. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if your water sits in pipes overnight. Use cold water for drinking and cooking—hot water picks up more lead. If you're concerned about your infant's water, ask your pediatrician about bottled water.
Check for replacement programs. New York State and federal funding (including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) may help cover the cost of removing lead service lines. Ask Buffalo Water Authority about grants or low-interest loans.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Buffalo Water Authority to request a service line inspection or records check
- Ask about any available rebate or replacement assistance programs in Buffalo
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss lead exposure risk with your doctor
- Consider a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF Standard 53) as a temporary measure
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 7,406 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Buffalo Water Authority have lead in the water?
Buffalo Water Authority has identified 10 confirmed lead service lines so far, though 1,786 service lines remain uninspected. Lead in drinking water comes from old pipes, not the water source itself. Your risk depends on whether *your* home has a lead service line.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Buffalo Water Authority and ask them to check your service line records or schedule an inspection. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home, though excavation may be needed for a definitive answer.
Can lead service lines be replaced?
Yes. Full replacement is the only permanent solution. New York State and federal funding programs may cover part or all of the cost. Contact Buffalo Water Authority about replacement assistance and grants available in your area.
Is filtered water safe if I have a lead service line?
A water filter certified for lead removal (NSF Standard 53) can reduce lead in your drinking water, but it's a temporary fix. Full pipe replacement is the permanent solution. Ask your water utility or a water quality professional which filters work best for Buffalo's water.