Is Buffalo Center, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.5/100
waterverge.com Buffalo Center, IA — Water Quality Report
Buffalo Center's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 857 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Buffalo Center's water
Buffalo Center ranks #130 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Buffalo Center relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Buffalo Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buffalo Center, IA water safe to drink?
Buffalo Center's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 857 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buffalo Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buffalo Center's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buffalo Center's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buffalo Center's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Kossuth County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Buffalo Center's water come from?
Buffalo Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 857 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Buffalo Center residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Buffalo Center's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Kossuth County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Buffalo Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Buffalo Center ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buffalo Center's water comes from
Buffalo Center's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 857 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Buffalo Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUFFALO CENTER MUNI WATER DEPT | IA9506052 | 857 | GW |
How Buffalo Center compares
Full Iowa rankings →Buffalo Center's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Buffalo Center, IA
Wikipedia →Whittemore is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 497 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buffalo Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Winnebago
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo Center, IA tap water safe to drink?
Buffalo Center's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #130 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Buffalo Center's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Buffalo Center's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Buffalo Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buffalo Center's water come from?
Buffalo Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 857 residents.
Is Buffalo Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buffalo Center uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 4 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Buffalo Center's water compare to other cities?
Buffalo Center ranks #130 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 70% of state cities) and #1675 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Buffalo Center's small water system affect quality?
Buffalo Center's system serves approximately 857 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 4 violations on record.