Effects of conservation methods of water samples on determination of total phosphorus were analyzed from aspects of methods of adding conserving agent,SS concentration,natural sedimentation time,conservation temperature and time.The results showed that SS concentration in water and natural sedimentation time had the greatest impact on the determination of total phosphorus,while the influence of methods of adding conserving agent,conservation temperature and time was relatively smaller.TP concentration in water samples conserved irregularly was higher than the standard value due to the existence of SS and microorganisms in water,and the deviation became larger with the increase of SS concentration in water.In addition,quality control measures and matters needing attention during the conservation process of water samples were put forward to improve the accuracy of TP concentration.