The conditions of the sorption preconcentration of phenols from samples of natural and potable waters in Diapak P concentrator cartridges filled with super cross linked polystyrene are optimized. Coun tercurrent desorption with acetonitrile or methanol ensures the elimination the step of organic solvent evap oration. The observed reduction of the sorption of humic and fulvic acids (HFA) on the addition of sodium sulfite to the samples of natural and potable waters prior to their processing probably relates to the change of pH. The preconcentration of phenols from natural and potable waters at pH 6-8 substantially reduces the sorption of HFA. The method is used to determine phenols in samples of tap water and water from the Yenisei river by the added-found method.