A method is developed for simultaneous separation and determination of μg/L levels of Co(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) in fresh water by precipitate flotation. The optimal conditions of the experimental procedure with hydrated iron(III) oxide and iron(III) tetramethylenedithiocarbamate as collectors were investigated. The pH interval of the working medium, within which Co(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) can be successfully separated, was determined from the aspect of collectors and surfactant stability. The amounts of the elements investigated were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The detection limit of the method is 0.15 μg/L for cobalt, 0.03 μg/L for copper and 0.79 μg/L for nickel.