The purpose of the work was to determine the relationship between the state of the water environment quality of selected rivers (Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd and Cu tests in bottom sediments), and the sources of pollution resulting from close proximity to the cities,through which they flow. The following were selected for the study: the Biała river flowing through the city of Białystok, the Narew river flowing through the city of Tykocin and the village of Złotoria, the Supraśl river flowing through the village of Michałowo and Gródek and the Biała river flowing through the city of Bielsk Podlaski. Sediments were collected four times from the same points in 2016 in the period from July to October. Sediment samples were collected from points located on rivers before and behind towns and villages. Contents of the following metals were tested in bottom sediment samples: Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd and Cu. The analyses were carried out applying flame absorption spectrometry method. The statistical multivariate CA and FA analyzes were used. The highest contents of Zn, Pb and Cr were recorded in bottom sediments from the following rivers: Biała (Białystok) and Biała inflow of Orlanka (Bielsk Podlaski), which resulted from anthropogenic activity. The research also showed the impact of agricultural activity due to the slightly elevated Cd level.