Water Quality Report for Buffalo, New York

Overview

Buffalo’s water quality is generally considered safe for consumption. The city’s water supply primarily comes from Lake Erie, which is treated to meet all federal and state standards¹.

Water Sources

The main source of drinking water for Buffalo is Lake Erie. The water is treated at the Colonel Ward Water Treatment Plant, which uses advanced treatment processes to ensure the water is safe and clean¹.

Contaminants and Safety

Buffalo’s water undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets safety standards. The 2023 Water Quality Report indicates that the water is free from harmful levels of contaminants. However, like most public water systems, it contains trace amounts of various substances, including:

• Microbial contaminants: Such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
• Inorganic contaminants: Such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides: Which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
• Organic chemical contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants: Which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities².

Water Hardness

Water hardness in Buffalo is considered moderately hard, with levels around 118 parts per million (ppm) or approximately 7 grains per gallon (gpg)³. This level of hardness can lead to some scale buildup in plumbing and appliances, but it is generally manageable.

• On Appliances: Mineral deposits can build up in pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
• On Skin and Hair: Hard water can cause dryness and irritation, making it difficult to lather soap and shampoo.
• On Cleaning: It can leave spots on dishes and glassware and make cleaning more challenging.

Solutions for water hardness in Buffalo New York

• Water Softeners: Installing a water softener can help reduce the hardness of the water. This is not the best option because water softeners exchange salt for hardness, adding an unhealthy amount of salt to your drinking water. Which is corrosive and bad for the environment. Its usage is also being banned in many municipalities.
• HydroFLOW: this is the best option for treating hard water. It lets you keep the healthy calcium in your water but renders it harmless by not allowing it to adhere to your plumbing and fixture surfaces. Learn more about the benefits of HydroFLOW.

Consumer Confidence Report

The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) provides detailed information about the water quality, including the sources of water, the types of contaminants found, and the levels of those contaminants. The latest reports can be accessed through the Buffalo Water Department¹.

Conclusion

Buffalo’s water is safe to drink and meets all regulatory standards. The moderate hardness level may cause some minor issues related to scale buildup, but these can be managed with appropriate water treatment methods.