Buffalo, NY Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)
Key Facts
- Repair deadline after notice
- 24 hours
- Penalty for non-compliance
- Water shutoff + cost charged to premises
- Cost recovery method
- Added to next water bill
- Leak reporting duty
- Police must report main/service pipe leaks without delay (§ 491-57)
Summary
Owners and occupants must immediately repair leaks in service pipes beyond the main. If not fixed within 24 hours of notice, the Director of Water will shut off service and charge the repair expense to the premises.
§ 491-34. Leaks in service pipes. When leaks occur in the service pipes at any point beyond the main, they must be immediately repaired by the owner or occupant of the premises; and if not repaired within 24 hours after notice, the Director of Water shall cause the same to be shut off until repaired and charge the expense incurred against the premises, to be collected with the first bill for supply of water that shall become due against said premises.
Full Breakdown
Under Buffalo City Code § 491-34, responsibility for repairs lies with the property owner or occupant once a leak occurs in any service pipe beyond the main. The City will shut off water until repairs are complete. Expenses incurred by the City are collected with the next water bill. A related provision (§ 491-57) requires police to report any leaks from mains or service pipes in their precincts 'with as little delay as possible.'
Violations & Fines
Failure to repair within 24 hours of notice results in the Director of Water shutting off water service to the premises; repair costs are charged to the property and collected with the next water bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for fixing a leak in the pipe that runs from the water main to my house?
What happens if I don't fix a service pipe leak right away?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
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