Abstract: The point of water quality assessment for drinking water pollution emergencies is to protect human health against acute and subacute damage. From that perspective, 14 drinking water indices (such as color, turbidity, smell and odor, visible substances, pH, ferrum, and manganese) were elected after a screening process as the main assessment indices for water pollution emergencies based on national standards for drinking water quality as well as relevant information from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Permissible exposure limits of color, turbidity, pH, ferrum, and manganese for 7 d and 30 d drinking water exposure were determined. The article aimed to provide reference to ensure the drinking water supply in emergencies and to protect human health.