A method is described for the reliable determination of copper, lead, cadmium and zinc in natural waters by anodic stripping potentiometry with the use of a novel combined electrode. The method involves two stripping cycles during which copper is initially determined on its own, followed by simultaneous determination of lead, cadmium and zinc after addition of gallium (III) ions. The optimum conditions include 0.01 M HCl as supporting electrolyte, 10 mg/L Hg (II) as chemical oxidant; Edep(Cu)-700 mV vs Ag/AgCl; Edep(Pb,Cd,Zn)-1200 mV vs Ag/AgCl; tdep10s; 150 μg/L Ga (III); sample rotation rate 5 and rest period 30s. Under these conditions, as low as 0.06 μg/L Cu (0.7% RSD); 0.2 μg/L Pb (13% RSD); 0.04 μg/L Cd (7.8% RSD) and 0.06 μg/L Zn (5.5% RSD) can be determined reliably. A linear concentration range of 0–110 μg/L was obtained for the four metals. The successful application of the method to reference fresh water, creek water and tap water is demonstrated.