A simple method for atomic absorption spectrometric determination of lead, copper, cadmium and nickel in drinking water samples after preconcentration by sorbing 1-(2-pyridylazo) 2-naphthol (PAN) complex of these metals on an activated carbon column has been established. The metal/PAN complexes were quantitatively retained on the activated carbon in the pH range 6-8. Metals retained on the activated carbon column were completely eluted with 2M HCl in acetone. This method was applied to the determination of lead, copper, cadmium and nickel in drinking water samples and good results were obtained (Recoveries >95%, relative standard deviations <7%, relative error <3%).