The sequential determination of 14 trace metals, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sb and Pb, in rain and river water samples has been investigated using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with a graphite rod electrothermal vaporizer (ETV) in the presence of the mixed modifier of palladium nitrate and magnesium nitrate. The sensitivity enhancements due to the presence of the modifier were observed for all analyte elements. Detection limits as high as 0.52, 0.13, 0.89, 0.35, 1.76, 0.5, 0.9, 0.5, 0.04, 1.03, 0.28, 0.07, 0.1 and 3.78 pg, respectively, for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sb and Pb have been achieved. For the determination of trace metals in both rain and river water samples by this method, the repeatibility of sample solution were very good, i.e. from 1% to 7% (as a coefficient variation) and the recoveries of elements were good enough, i.e. from 81% to 106%, by using a standard addition method. There was no difference between the results obtained by nebulizer ICP-MS and those obtained by this method, except for zinc and arsenic.