The relevance of the study is due to the fact that in recent years, a number of technologies for the processing of waters with a priority content of copper zinc and manganese have been developed as remedial measures, which make it possible to obtain additional metal-containing products and improve the quality of water purification. This article aims to analyze the measures of protection of the ecological system in the South Urals. Leading approach to the study of this problem is monitoring that has afforded revealing peculiarities of natural and technogenic waters of mining enterprises in the South Urals. The materials of the paper imply the practical significance for the university teachers of the ecological specializations. © 2020 KIIE.