Buffalo Water Bill Pay & Leak Help
Use this guide when you need Buffalo Water’s official bill pay portal, customer service phone number, office hours, PromisePay payment plans, Residential Water Affordability Program, low-income senior discount, shutoff help, tenant/landlord help, water service discontinuance, water service line responsibility, emergency leak reporting, meter rates, water quality report or service-line repair information.
Short path: pay online through Buffalo Water’s InvoiceCloud portal, call 716-847-1065 for customer service and billing, visit 281 Exchange Street during business hours, use extension/option #2 for after-hours or emergency leak reporting, and apply for help through GetWaterWiseBuffalo.org if the balance is unaffordable.
Fastest Answer for Each Buffalo Water Task
Use Buffalo Water’s official InvoiceCloud portal to view and pay your water bill.
Open bill payCall 716-847-1065 during normal business hours for account, billing and payment questions.
Telephone directoryBuffalo Water lists PromisePay for flexible payment plans and Get Water Wise for affordability help.
PromisePay planAfter checking toilets and internal fixtures, call 716-847-1065 option #2 for emergency leak investigation.
Leak FAQOfficial Buffalo Water Bill Routing
| User need | Correct official route | Have ready | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay or view bill online | Buffalo Water InvoiceCloud portal. | Buffalo Water account details from your bill and payment method. | Use the link from BuffaloWater.org to avoid unofficial bill-payment pages. |
| Billing or customer service | Call 716-847-1065 or email customerservice@buffalowater.org. | Account number, service address, owner/tenant status and payment proof if relevant. | Normal billing hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| In-person account help | Customer Service/Billing at 281 Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY 14204. | Bill, ID if needed, payment receipt, agency paperwork or service form. | Use in-person route for complex shutoff, tenant agreement, account printout or service-discontinuance issues. |
| After-hours or emergency leak | Call 716-847-1065 Ext. #2 / option #2. | Exact address, sound/leak location, water in street or basement, callback number. | Buffalo Water lists this for after-hours or emergency leak reporting. |
| Permits, inspections or backflow | Call 716-847-1065; Service Inspections Ext. 15, Back Flow Prevention Ext. 123, UFPO Mark Outs Ext. 124. | Property address, contractor/plumber details, permit or inspection question. | Service inspections/permits hours are listed as Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Water quality complaint | Call 716-847-1065 Ext. 133. | Color, taste, odor, address, whether neighbors are affected and start time. | Laboratory / Water Treatment Supervisor routing is listed for water quality complaints and questions. |
| Financial assistance | Get Water Wise Buffalo or call 716-847-1065. | Water bill, proof of income/benefits, proof of ownership or lease/landlord statement. | Buffalo Water says RWAP and extended payment plans are available for customers experiencing financial challenges. |
How to Pay a Buffalo Water Bill Online
Start at BuffaloWater.org
Open Buffalo Water and use the official Online Bill Pay link, or go directly to the City-linked InvoiceCloud pay/view portal.
Match the account carefully
Use the account information from the Buffalo Water bill. Confirm the service address and amount due before submitting payment.
Register only if it helps
Use online registration if you want saved payment tools, future bill access or easier repeat payments. Use a one-time payment route if you only need to pay quickly.
Save confirmation
Keep the confirmation number, date, amount, account number and payment method. If your account is already in shutoff status, call Buffalo Water after paying.
Buffalo Water Payment Options
Online bill pay
Buffalo Water links customers to InvoiceCloud to view and pay water bills online.
Customer service phone
Call 716-847-1065 for customer service and billing help during normal business hours.
Exchange Street office
Visit Customer Service/Billing at 281 Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY 14204, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tops / Western Union caution
Buffalo Water’s tenant FAQ notes Tops payments may process through Western Union and can take 3–5 business days.
PromisePay plans
Buffalo Water collaborates with PromisePay for flexible payment plans to pay off a balance over time.
Get Water Wise
Residential customers may apply for Buffalo Water affordability help through GetWaterWiseBuffalo.org.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Payment Arrangement Help
Severely delinquent accounts
Buffalo Water states it is resuming shutoff protocols for severely delinquent accounts.
Call early
Call 716-847-1065 before service interruption. Ask about RWAP, PromisePay, hardship options or payment arrangements.
Complex cases
Tenant agreements, social-service paperwork, account printouts and restoration receipts may require Exchange Street office help.
Past-due action checklist
- Open the latest bill and check the total balance, due date and any shutoff notice language.
- Call 716-847-1065 and ask for the exact amount needed to avoid interruption.
- Ask whether PromisePay, RWAP, PAW or a hardship agreement is appropriate.
- Keep receipts if paying through any third-party walk-in location.
- If service is already off, ask what proof is required before restoration.
- Do not wait until after-hours if your issue is mainly billing or payment arrangement related.
Buffalo Water Affordability Programs and Senior Discount
| Program | Who it may help | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Water Affordability Program / Pathways to Affordable Water | City of Buffalo residents whose household income qualifies under federal low-income guidelines. | Get Water Wise says automatic eligibility may apply when a household member receives SSI, Public Assistance, SNAP or HEAP. |
| Water bill assistance application | Homeowners and renters responsible for paying a Buffalo Water bill. | Prepare water bill, proof of income/benefits, proof of ownership or lease/landlord statement showing responsibility for water bill. |
| Low-income senior water discount | Eligible owners age 65+ who meet ownership, primary-residence and income requirements. | Buffalo Water lists sliding-scale exemption from 5% to 50%, 12 consecutive months of ownership, primary residence and annual application. |
| Senior income reference | Owners applying for the low-income senior rate. | Buffalo Water page lists income-based exemption as less than $37,399 and directs annual application to the Tax Exemption Office at 716-851-4374. |
| PromisePay flexible plan | Customers needing to pay down an existing balance over time. | Buffalo Water says it collaborates with PromisePay to provide flexible payment plans. |
Buffalo Water Phone, Address and Hours
Customer Service / Billing
716-847-1065. Fax: 716-847-0150. Email: customerservice@buffalowater.org.
Billing office
281 Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY 14204.
Business hours
Customer Service/Billing: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Emergency leak
716-847-1065 Ext. #2 for after-hours or emergency leak reporting.
Useful Buffalo Water contacts
Billing: 716-847-1065 Fax: 716-847-0150 Emergency leak: Ext. #2 Service Inspections: Ext. 15 Backflow: Ext. 123 UFPO Mark Outs: Ext. 124 Water Quality: Ext. 133 Erie County health: 716-858-7677Buffalo Water Rates and Fees Effective October 1, 2025
Metered consumption
Monthly metered consumption is listed at $29.03 per 1,000 cu. ft. for 0–10,000 cu. ft. and $31.92 above 10,000 cu. ft.
Common meter fixed charges
A 5/8-inch meter has a monthly capacity charge of $21.15 and monthly infrastructure charge of $5.00.
Turn on / turn off
The schedule lists $48.38 for turn-on service fee and $48.38 for turn-off service fee, any reason.
| Rate / fee item | Amount listed | Why users care |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly metered consumption, 0–10,000 cu. ft. | $29.03 per 1,000 cu. ft. | Basic usage rate for many metered accounts. |
| Monthly metered consumption, over 10,000 cu. ft. | $31.92 per 1,000 cu. ft. | Higher usage tier for larger usage. |
| 5/8-inch meter monthly capacity charge | $21.15 | Common small-meter fixed charge. |
| 5/8-inch meter monthly infrastructure charge | $5.00 | Fixed infrastructure charge in addition to usage/capacity. |
| Quarterly capacity charge, 5/8-inch meter | $63.44 | Useful if your account is billed quarterly. |
| Quarterly infrastructure charge, 5/8-inch meter | $15.00 | Quarterly equivalent of monthly infrastructure charge. |
| Turn on service fee | $48.38 | May apply when water is turned on. |
| Turn off service fee | $48.38 | May apply when water is turned off. |
| Missed scheduled appointment | $59.13 | Customer must cancel 24 hours before appointment. |
| Unauthorized curbstop or supply operation | $256.39 per occurrence | Do not operate Buffalo Water shutoff valves yourself. |
Leaks, Loud Water Sound and Service Line Responsibility
Private service line
Buffalo Water says the water service line from the street main up to and including the piping leading to the house is owned by the property owner.
Service box / valve
The homeowner is responsible for the service box and shutoff valve, and it must remain accessible for Buffalo Water personnel.
Emergency leak help
After checking internal fixtures, call 716-847-1065 option #2 for emergency leak investigation.
Check toilets first
Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If dye appears in the bowl without flushing, the toilet is leaking.
Check the meter indicator
If you have a water meter, check the small red indicator on the dial while no water is being used. Movement can show water passing through the meter.
Listen for hidden flow
A loud running-water sound when no one is using water may indicate an internal leak, buried service-line leak or water main issue draining into the sewer.
Call Buffalo Water with exact details
Call 716-847-1065 option #2 for emergency leak reporting and give the service address, sound/leak location, visible water and callback number.
Start, Discontinue or Inactivate Water Service
Application forms
Buffalo Water’s online forms page lists an Application for Water Service, Application to Discontinue Water Service and Mailer Address Change Form.
Discontinue service
To discontinue service, submit the Request for Discontinuance of Service to Buffalo Water at 281 Exchange Street or by email.
Meter removal appointment
Buffalo Water’s FAQ says you also need to schedule an appointment to have the meter removed so the account can be inactivated.
Vacant-property checklist
- Do not assume water billing stops because a house is vacant.
- Submit the official discontinuance form if service should be stopped.
- Schedule the meter removal appointment with Buffalo Water.
- Provide contact details and mailing address for any final bill or account notice.
- Ask about any turn-off, reactivation or appointment charges that may apply.
Tenant, Landlord and No-Water Situations
Tenant payment arrangement
Buffalo Water’s tenant/landlord FAQ says tenant arrangements may be available, usually short-term in nature, when a landlord is absent or vacationing.
Agency help
Social service agencies may require an account printout before they can determine an award amount.
No water and landlord issue
For health-related no-water concerns, the tenant FAQ references Erie County Environmental Health at 716-961-6800.
Water Quality, Lake Erie Source and Taste/Odor Questions
Water source
Buffalo’s water source is Lake Erie. The 2025 annual report describes Buffalo Water as managed by Veolia NA, LLC.
Water quality report
Buffalo Water links the 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report and states its site helps customers learn about clean water that meets or exceeds standards.
Quality questions
For water quality complaints and questions, call 716-847-1065 Ext. 133. For health issues, Erie County Department of Health is listed at 716-858-7677.
| Concern | Buffalo Water guidance | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine taste or smell | Consumer tips suggest letting water stand, cooling water, boiling with lid off, or using a well-maintained point-of-use charcoal filter. | Use cold water for drinking and contact Ext. 133 if concern persists. |
| Bitter medicinal taste | Consumer tips note PVC supply lines can impart taste when water stagnates. | Run the water until taste dissipates or consider supply-line material review. |
| Sewage smell | Consumer tips say a non-functional drain trap can give the illusion of sewage smell in tap water. | Check drain traps before assuming the public water supply is the source. |
| Water quality complaint | Laboratory / Water Treatment Supervisor contact is 716-847-1065 Ext. 133. | Report address, taste/odor/color, start time and whether neighbors are affected. |
Local Buffalo Tips That Prevent Water Bill Problems
Call before shutoff becomes field action
Online payment is useful, but severely delinquent accounts need direct billing guidance, especially if a shutoff notice or door notice has already been issued.
Use Exchange Street for complex cases
Tenant arrangements, agency printouts, restoration receipt presentation and account inactivation can require direct customer service handling.
Do not operate the curbstop yourself
The current fee schedule lists a charge for unauthorized operation of a curbstop or supply. Call Buffalo Water for turn-off/turn-on needs.
Check private leaks before blaming the main
Food-color toilet test and meter indicator check can quickly separate internal usage from a street/main issue.
Understand full service-line responsibility
Buffalo Water says residents are responsible from inside the home all the way to the water main, including under street, sidewalk and restoration costs if required.
Reapply for senior relief annually
The low-income senior page says the exemption must be applied for annually through the Tax Exemption Office.
Buffalo Water Office Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for Buffalo Water Customer Service/Billing at 281 Exchange Street. Call before visiting if the account is close to shutoff or if you need a same-day restoration-related answer.
Billing office
Buffalo Water Customer Service/Billing, 281 Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY 14204.
Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Offices are closed on recognized holidays.
Bring
Water bill, account number, service address, payment receipt, shutoff notice, tenant/landlord papers, agency paperwork or service form.
Official Buffalo Water Links
Buffalo Water Department FAQs
How do I pay my Buffalo Water bill online?
Use the official Buffalo Water Online Bill Pay link, which opens the InvoiceCloud pay/view bill portal. Start from BuffaloWater.org if you are unsure whether a payment page is official.
What is the Buffalo Water customer service phone number?
Call 716-847-1065 for Buffalo Water customer service and billing. The office fax is 716-847-0150.
Where is the Buffalo Water billing office?
Buffalo Water Customer Service/Billing is located at 281 Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY 14204.
What are Buffalo Water billing office hours?
Customer Service/Billing hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Offices are closed on recognized holidays.
Who do I call for an emergency water leak in Buffalo?
Call 716-847-1065 Ext. #2 for after-hours or emergency leak reporting.
Can Buffalo Water customers get a payment plan?
Yes. Buffalo Water lists flexible payment plan options through PromisePay. Customers experiencing financial hardship should also ask about RWAP and Get Water Wise Buffalo assistance.
What is Get Water Wise Buffalo?
Get Water Wise Buffalo helps City of Buffalo residents apply for water bill assistance. Eligibility is income-based, and households may be automatically eligible if a household member receives SSI, Public Assistance, SNAP or HEAP benefits.
Does Buffalo Water have a senior discount?
Buffalo Water lists a low-income senior program with a sliding-scale exemption from 5% to 50%. Owners must meet age, ownership, primary-residence and income requirements and apply annually through the Tax Exemption Office.
Who is responsible for a leaking water service line in Buffalo?
Buffalo Water says the water service line from the main in the street up to and including the piping leading to the house is owned by the property owner and must be maintained by the property owner.
How do I discontinue Buffalo Water service for a vacant property?
Submit the Application to Discontinue Water Service to Buffalo Water at 281 Exchange Street or by email at customerservice@buffalowater.org, and schedule an appointment to have the meter removed so future invoicing can stop.
What are Buffalo Water metered rates effective October 1, 2025?
The current schedule lists monthly metered consumption at $29.03 per 1,000 cu. ft. for 0–10,000 cu. ft. and $31.92 per 1,000 cu. ft. above 10,000 cu. ft. A 5/8-inch meter has a monthly capacity charge of $21.15 and monthly infrastructure charge of $5.00.
What number do I call for Buffalo water quality complaints?
Call 716-847-1065 Ext. 133 for water quality complaints and questions. For health issues, the telephone directory lists Erie County Department of Health at 716-858-7677.
Does this page collect Buffalo Water bill payments?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official BuffaloWater.org, InvoiceCloud, PromisePay and GetWaterWiseBuffalo.org links for live payments, account access, payment plans, assistance, rates and official forms.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.