Due to human and industrial activities the river water is contaminated. This is the serious problem now days.Many heavy metals have their toxic effects on man and environment. The presence of heavy metal results in bioaccumulation and further it can affect the biological and ecological cycles. Both natural and anthropogenic sources were found to be contributing to the pollution load of the rivers in Maharashtra with the anthropogenic activities dominating the influence. Chemical weathering of minerals, mining activities and industrial discharges increased heavy metals concentration in water. Industrial activities were predominantly responsible for the high concentrations of Mn in water. The study revealed the impact of various human activities on the quality of water and indicated a trend to undertake further studies on the affects of polluted river water on the aquatic and human life. The current review summarizes the causes, impacts and preventive measures carried out to know the effect of heavy metals on man, environment, aquatic life, plant and ecology.