Buffalo sits on one of the world’s largest freshwater sources, but many residents still struggle to afford water. Rates have increased five times since 2006, and in a single year, over 2,500 occupied homes were shut off, many for owing less than $1,000. The system lacks transparency and is managed by a private company under a quietly renewed $7.8 million annual contract. 

This brief outlines how Buffalo can restore public control, prevent shutoffs, create income-based rates, and treat water as a public good - not a commodity.