The content of heavy metals was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Some clear regularities have been revealed for the surface waters of the Chegem river basin. The waters are characterized by a high level of natural pollution with aluminum, manganese, copper and zinc; concentrations of Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn and Al decrease downstream; higher concentrations of these metals are typical for almost all watercourses in the high-mountain zone of the Chegem river