Abstract: volatile organic compounds(VOCs), including organochlorides, organobromides and aromatic hydrocarbons, in tap water collected in the main districts of Beijing and drinking water, including natural mineral water and pure water, being on the market in Beijing were determined by headspace-capillary gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. Comparisons were made with the concentrations of VOCs in tap water of other cities, such as Tianjin, Shanghai and Lanzhou. Contents of VOCs in tap water in Beijing and most of drinking water being on the market were low. The fact that some halogenides exist in Laoshan Mineral Water possibly means pollution happened. Higher concentrations of VOCs in tap water in Shanghai and Tianjin were also found.