Buffalo Water Authority

To comply with State regulations, Buffalo Water (managed by Veolia NA) issues annual reports detailing the quality of your municipal water. The purpose is to inform residents about their water sources and promote awareness of protecting our vital water resources.

Last year, Buffalo's tap water met all State health requirements. Our detailed report provides information about water sources, contents, and how it compares to regulatory standards. We're proud to provide this information because informed consumers are our best allies.

For questions about this report or your municipal water, please contact Jan Robin Ford, Water Treatment Manager at (716) 847-1065 ext. 130. Water Board meetings are typically held the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 AM in Room 502 of City Hall for those seeking more information.

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?
Buffalo's water source is Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes with an average depth of just 62 feet. Water remains in the lake for only 2.6 years before replacement (compared to 191 years in Lake Superior). Our intake is located in the northeastern region of Lake Erie in the Emerald Channel, known for its exceptional water clarity.

Water enters through sluice gates and travels through a 12-foot diameter tunnel below the lakebed. Initial chlorine treatment controls invasive mussels and provides preliminary disinfection. The water flows to Colonel Francis G. Ward Pumping Station where screens remove debris. Fluoride is added to prevent tooth decay, and six low-lift pumps regulate water withdrawal based on system demands.

A poly aluminum chloride (PACl) coagulant is added to bind debris into floc particles. The water then undergoes flocculation and sedimentation processes in underground basins. After settling, the water passes through 40 rapid sand/anthracite filter beds for final filtration. A phosphate-based corrosion inhibitor is added before distribution to prevent lead leaching from service connections.

High-lift pumps at Colonel Ward and Massachusetts Pumping Stations deliver the treated water throughout Buffalo. Our in-house laboratory continuously monitors water quality at every treatment stage and throughout the distribution system to ensure safety and compliance.

How do I protect my water pipes from freezing?

The Buffalo Water Department recommends these essential tips to protect meters and pipes during winter:

• Ensure water meters are protected from freezing conditions. If located in unheated areas, cover with insulating material to prevent freezing and potential damage.
• Close all end and waste valves on outdoor faucets. These valves are typically located near the tap on interior basement walls. After closing valves, drain outdoor pipes and disconnect any hoses from exterior spigots.
• Insulate pipes located near exterior walls, in basements, or garages. Repair any basement cracks or broken windows to provide additional protection against freezing.
• If pipes freeze, use a hair dryer or heating pad for gradual thawing. NEVER USE OPEN FLAMES. Alternatively, wrap frozen pipes with cloth and repeatedly soak with hot water. Contact a plumber if these methods don't work within a reasonable timeframe.
• Locate and mark your master shutoff valve. Be prepared to turn it off if a pipe bursts. This wheel-type valve is typically where water enters your home near the interior water meter. Mark it clearly with a tag, bright ribbon, or paint for quick identification in emergencies.

Why do I receive two sewer bills?

Many residents ask why they receive two separate sewer bills. One bill comes from the local municipal department (like Buffalo Water Authority) while the other comes from the regional county authority.

In the late 1980s, many municipalities connected to newly constructed regional systems that divert wastewater to central treatment facilities. While local treatment plants were phased out, municipalities retained responsibility for maintaining street mains and pumping stations, while regional authorities handle actual sewage treatment.

The payment to your local authority covers maintenance of local infrastructure, equipment upkeep, and system modernization. The payment to the regional authority covers the actual treatment processes. These are completely separate government entities that operate independently regarding billing amounts and procedures.