RESUMEN
Objective To understand the drinking water quality in the rural areas in Jiading, Shanghai. Methods In September, 2006, the drinking water samples from water plants and tap water were collected, then the water quality was analyzed and assessed according to the related standards and regulations. Results 84.56% of the rural population drank the surface water, 15.44% drank the ground water. Among 99.85% of the centralized water supply systems, the drinking water (surface water) was treated; among 0.15%, the drinking water (ground water) was only treated by decreasing iron and manganese. Source water and treated water quality had been greatly improved. Conclusion Intensive management of drinking water is very important to ensure the drinking water quality in the rural areas.