A strategy for monitoring municipal drinking water sources, process waters, and distribution waters for the presence of selected organic compounds, both volatile and non‐volatile, is described. The monitoring strategy and associated analytical procedures evolved in conjunction with organic monitoring investigations completed by the author for several cities in Indiana and Kentucky. The need, basis, strengths and limitations of the organic monitoring (screening) approach is described. A brief description is also given for the gas Chromatographie methods which were used to measure the presence of volatile and non‐volatile “indicator”; organic compounds. Water utility officials initiating a testing program for organic contaminants may benefit from the experience described herein.