Abstract: This paper reviewsthe literaturerelated to quality of water for making concrete.The allowablelimitsof physical and chemical impurities and the test methods of their evolution are compiled.The limits of impurities as perIndian, Australian, American and British standardsarepresented. From the literature it is seen that, the reaction between water and cement affect the setting time, compressive strength and also lead to softening of concrete. All the impurities may not have adverse effect on the properties of concrete. The use of impure water for concrete mixing is seen to favorable for strength development at early ages and reduction in long term strength.