Capillary ion electrophoresis (CIE) is a new multi-analyte separation technique for the analysis of low molecular weight inorganic and organic ions. In comparison with ion chromatography, this analytical technique offers many advantages for water and wastewater analysis, including high separation efficiency, short analysis time and minimal sample volume requirements. The objectives of this study were to review the application of CIE in determining common anions and cations in drinking water and to explore the application of CIE in analyzing underivatized haloacetic acids.