Eighteen samples from surface water resources (rivers & ponds) were collected from different sampling sites of the Jharia Coalfield during Post- Monsoon season, 2013. The analytical data were evaluated in terms of the chemical characteristics its suitability for drinking purposes. For assessing the suitability of drinking water, the water quality data of the analyzed samples were compared with the prescribed drinking water standard of WHO and BIS (IS:10500).The pH of the analysed water samples varied from 7.3 to 8.3, indicating slightly alkaline in nature. The Electrical Conductivity (EC) value varied from 175 ms cm-1 to 1280 ms cm-1 while the total dissolved solids (TDS) varied from 136 mg/l to 1045 mg/l. The large variation in the EC, TDS and ionic concentration in the groundwater of the area may be attributed to variation in geo-chemical process and anthropogenic activities. Among the major anions, bicarbonate was generally dominant and representing on average 49% of the total anions. Sulphate is the second dominant anion, representing an an average 43% of the total anions. Chloride and Nitrate were less dominant ions and contributing 8% and 1% to the total anions respectively. Fluoride is the least dominant. Among major cations, calciumwas the dominant ions representing on average 52% of total cations. Sodium and magnesium ions were of secondary importance, representing on average 26% and 18% of total cations, respectively. Potassium was least dominant cation and representing 4% of the total cations. In majority of the samples, the analyzed parameters are well within the desirable limits and water is potable for drinking purposes. However, concentrations of TDS, TH, Ca2+, and Mg2+ exceed the desirable limit at few sites.