Advantages and disadvantages of three extraction methods( acetone grinding,heating and freezing extraction methods) in determination of chlorophyll a in surface water were compared,and the distribution of chlorophyll a in the Fenhe River in Taiyuan region was discussed. The results showed that more chlorophyll a was extracted using acetone heating and freezing extraction methods compared with acetone grinding method,and standard deviation( SD) was smaller. Interference of pheophytin a was eliminated,so accuracy of chlorophyll a content was improved. Chlorophyll a content at points 1# and 2# in the upper reaches of the Fenhe River was lower than that at other points close to residential areas.