The study areas are found in the upper Awash River basin situated in the central part ofrnthe country. The study areas (Debre Zeite, Mojo and Nazret) are the selected urbanrncentres from the upper Awash River basin. The town of Debre Zeite is located at 8045'Nrnlatitude and 38058'E longitude; Mojo is located at 8036'N latitude and 39005'E longitudernand Nazret is located at latitude 8032'Nand 39016'E longitude.rnCollection of water samples from surface (streams/ rivers, Lakes, and rainwater) andrngroundwater (boreholes, spring) was done in two field work periods in the year 2003/4.rnThe physical parameters such as appearance, turbidity, colour and odour of the groundrnwater are in good condition. But, surface waters are contaminated.rnThe pH values of both groundwater and surface water in the areas range from 6.6 to 9.21.rnThe conductivity and TDS values of all groundwaters in the study areas are lower thanrn1000mg/i. Le., groundwater is classified as fresh water. But, the conductivity and TDSrnvalues of certain surface water bodies are greater than 1000mg/i. The high values werernrecorded in crater lakes from Debre Zeite area and the polluted Mojo River from Mojornarea. The ground and surface waters of the areas can be classified as dominantly as very hardrnwater types. From the available water chemical analysis results of Debre Zeite area crater lakes are all sodium -bicarbonate type water and artificial lakes, boreholes and hand dug wells showrncalcium-magnesium- bicarbonate type water. On the basis of these major chemical constituents, it can be indicated that the chemical composition of the waters are continuously enriched by calcium and magnesium cations and bicarbonate anion due to the effect of the interaction between waters and the geological formations through which they reside and move.rnThe waters from Mojo area show both calcium and sodium- bicarbonate type water.rnHowever, sodium- bicarbonate type water is the dominant water type in the area.rnThe chemical analysis results of water from Nazret area also show the dominant watersrnare sodium- bicarbonate type water.rnThe major ions constituent the waters from Mojo and Nazret areas are characterized byrnhigher content of sodium and bicarbonate.rnThe chemical and bacteriological analyses of surface and ground water samplesrnconfirmed the OCCUlTences of pollutants, which are organic and inorganic nutrients andrnmicro-organisms in their origin. This is mainly attributed to the improper waste disposalrnfrom industrial and municipal sources.rnThe major sources of water pollutant in the area include liquid and solid wastes generatedrnfrom industries, municipal and agricultural activities.rnThe extent of pollution is not unifOlUl through out the areas. It varies from highlyrnpolluted or affected to slightly affected areas. Highly affected areas are Mojo river at thernvicinity of the town due to direct discharge of both industrial and municipal wastes,rncentral palt of Nazret town due to municipal wastes, Awash river down the stream andrnShimbira Meda seasonal stream due to agricultural wastes.rnThe protective measures to be taken in order to protect surface and ground water are notrnto dump industrial and municipal wastes on surface water bodies prior to the necessaryrntreatment.