Is Buffalo, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Buffalo, IA — Water Quality Report
Buffalo's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,405 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 74 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buffalo's water
Buffalo ranks #326 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Buffalo 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 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buffalo, IA water safe to drink?
Buffalo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,405 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buffalo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buffalo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4732). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buffalo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buffalo's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Scott County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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's water come from?
Buffalo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,405 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Buffalo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buffalo's water.
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'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Buffalo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Buffalo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21,872 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SSAB IOWA INC. MUSCATINE, IA52761 | Sodium nitrite | 21,869 | 3.4 mi |
CONTINENTAL CEMENT CO BUFFALO, IA52728 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 2 | 3.6 mi |
NOVELIS ALR ALUMINUM LLC - NOVELIS DAVENPORT CASTING DAVENPORT, IA52802 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 6.9 mi |
NOVELIS ALR ALUMINUM LLC - NOVELIS DAVENPORT FINISHING DAVENPORT, IA52802 | Manganese | 0 | 9.5 mi |
CENTRAL PETROLEUM CO WALCOTT, IA52773 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Scott County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 compares by contaminant
Explore where Buffalo ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buffalo's water comes from
Buffalo'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 1,405 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Buffalo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUFFALO WATER SUPPLY | IA8218050 | 1,176 | GW |
| DEVILS CREEK ESTATES HOME ASSOC | IA8218301 | 145 | GW |
| LEAF LAKE ESTATES HOA | IA8218302 | 53 | GW |
| KAUTHS OAK VALLEY HOA 2ND ADDITION | IA8218303 | 31 | GW |
How Buffalo compares
Full Iowa rankings →Buffalo's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Buffalo, IA
Wikipedia →Buffalo is a city in Scott County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,176 at the 2020 census. Buffalo is located on the Mississippi River. The city is a part of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buffalo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Scott
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo, IA tap water safe to drink?
Buffalo's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #326 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Buffalo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Buffalo'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?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buffalo's water come from?
Buffalo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,405 residents.
What health violations has Buffalo's water system had?
Buffalo has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Buffalo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buffalo 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 74 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's water compare to other cities?
Buffalo ranks #326 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 25% of state cities) and #4871 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.