A new method was developed for the determination of twenty-three elements in water samples by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The detection limits, standard deviations and linear calibration ranges were measured. The sensitivity of the method was excellent and the determination was very fast for various elements including Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, B, Cr, Si, Zn, Be, Al, V, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl and Pb. Preconcentration and separation procedures were not required and hence the potential cross contamination was minimized. Recoveries of the standards spiked to natural samples were at the range of 94.5%-116.2%. Besides, the analytical values of standard reference materials obtained by the proposed method were conformed well with the certified values. The accuracy of results was further validated by comparing with the data obtained by using AAS and AFS. The proposed method was applied in the quality study of Shenzhen drinking water. A precise and accurate background data of various trace elements content of the city was obtained.