The quality of water is measured in terms of its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Water quality assessment is done by experts from different fields to monitor the trend, provide information to water resource management authorities, policy makers and to make recommendations. The quality of water is influenced by several factors such as rainfall, climate, soil type, vegetation, geology and human activities. The rapid increase in population, urbanization and increased industrial and agricultural activities have affected water quality all across the globe. There are several methods adopted to assess the quality of water such as use of remote sensing GIS (Geographic information system), and Water Quality Indices (WQI). In this review, the various parameters of quality assessment of river water are discussed along with some of the recent advances in tools used for study of water quality.