Abstract: Objective To understand the water quality of centralized water supply in Shanghai and provide scientific data for further improvement of the centralized water supply. Methods The management situation of 150 centralized water supply, 137 water quality of water source, and product water were investigated by using the methods in AnalyticalMethodsfor Water and 《Standard for Drinking Water Quality (GB 57492006) 》in Shanghai in 2008. Results Paired source water and finished water sample tests were carried out.Among surface water.Oxygen consumption, ammonia nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, etc.exceeded significantly (exceeding rates were 13.6%, 48.6% and 31.4%) .Turbidity and iron in groundwater exceeded significantly (exceeding rates were 30.0%, 40.0%) .Treated water turbidity, manganese, oxygen consumption, ammonia nitrogen exceeded significantly (exceeding rates were 12.8%, 23.8%, 11.6% and 18.0%) . Conclusion The results of the present investigation shows that in Shanghai the main problems about water quality are contamination of water source by organic pollutants and undeveloped water treatment.For cities the most prominent problem are organic pollution of water sources, water treatment technology back ward.To promote advanced treatment process and promote development and popularization, to enhance water conservation and control water pollution, strengthen supervision and law enforcement to eliminate health and safety risks, improve the urban water supply through legislation to protect the safety level of response are urgent.