Protecting Buffalo’s freshwater future

Freshwater is a limited resource. It’s crucial for sustaining life and a vital asset for the residents and businesses of Buffalo, New York. But Buffalo’s water resources and neighborhoods are limited by its aging combined sewer system. This system channels both stormwater (rain and snow melt) and sanitary sewage through a single pipe.

While this system works well during dry weather or light precipitation, it can be overwhelmed during heavy rain or snowmelt. When this happens, untreated sewage and stormwater can back up into basements and streets or overflow into local waterways. CSOs can transport pathogens, nutrients, heavy metals, and toxic substances into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, posing serious risks to both drinking water safety and recreation use.

Stephanie Alessandrini, a water project manager at Stantec, and the Buffalo Sewer Authority’s Rosaleen Nogle write about Buffalo’s green infrastructure journey.