Ion chromatographic separation of tungstate and molybdate is achieved using a 3 × 250 mm standard anion separator column, a 0.006 M sodium carbonate eluent, a standard anion suppressor column, and a flow rate of 90 ml/hr. Elution of peaks for the species tungstate and molybdate occurs at 9 and 12 minutes, respectively, and peak heights are distinguishable from the base line at concentrations of 0.1 mg/L, using a full scale deflection of 10 μmho and a dual-pen recorder. Tungstate and molybdate must be concentrated from 1 L of water by collecting them on a chelating resin after the pH of the water is adjusted to between 1 and 2. Tungstate and molybdate are eluted with concentrated ammonium hydroxide. The amnonia is evaporated, leaving a water solution containing tungstate and molybdate. About 90% of the tungsten and molybdenum is recovered, with a relative standard deviation of about 15% at the 5 μg/L level. Natural concentrations of tungsten or molybdenum as small as 1 μg/L are measured by this technique.