Buffalo, NY 14201
Environmental Risk Assessment • Population: 278,349
Risk Factor Breakdown
Air Quality
Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no risk.
Water Quality
Flood Risk
This area faces significant flood risk. Flood insurance is strongly recommended. Have an evacuation plan ready.
Toxic Sites
Very few hazardous waste sites in this area. This is a positive indicator for local environmental health.
Environmental Profile: Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York has good air quality with an AQI of 42. Water quality scores 38/100 with 65 health-based violations recorded. The area has 0 toxic release inventory sites. Flood risk is very high based on FEMA disaster history.
What This Means For You
Buffalo has received an overall environmental risk score of 54/100 (Fair). This means that the area has significant environmental challenges that can affect residents' health and quality of life.
The air quality in Buffalo is rated Good with an AQI of 42, primarily driven by PM2.5 pollution. Water quality scores 38 out of 100, with 65 reported violations and detected contaminants including Lead, PFAS.
Flood risk is classified as Very High (AE - Coastal High-Risk Flood Zone), and there are 0 Superfund sites and 0 Toxics Release Inventory facilities in the area.
How to Protect Yourself in Buffalo
- ✓Air quality is generally acceptable, but monitor AirNow.gov during seasonal events like wildfires or heat waves.
- ✓Consider installing of a certified water filter. Buffalo water has had 65 violations.
- ✓Have your tap water independently tested, especially for lead if your home has older plumbing.
- ✓Read the annual Consumer Confidence Report from your water utility.
- ✓Purchase flood insurance even if not required — standard homeowner insurance does not cover floods.
- ✓Create an emergency evacuation plan with designated meeting points and essential documents in a go-bag.
- ✓Check your specific property flood zone at msc.fema.gov — Buffalo is in AE - Coastal High-Risk Flood Zone.
- ✓Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking to flush potential lead from pipes.
- ✓Get children tested for lead exposure — there is no safe level of lead in blood.
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Disclaimer: Environmental risk data is compiled from public U.S. government sources (EPA, FEMA) for informational purposes only. Risk scores are estimates and should not replace professional environmental assessments, real estate evaluations, or health consultations. Always consult local authorities and certified professionals for site-specific evaluations. For environmental emergencies, call 911 or the EPA National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. See our Terms of Service for more details.