Abstract: Based on introducing the sources and hazards of arsenic in drinking water, this article discusses the technology development of removing arsenic from drinking water, including: flocculation/precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, membrane technique and bio -technology. Each technology has their advantages and disadvantages. Comparison analysis reveals that coagulation/precipitation and adsorption methods have been widely used. The development of ion exchange and membrane technology are limited owing to their higher environmental requirements. The most promising one is bio -technology for its environment friendliness. The development prospect of arsenic removal from drinking water in China is forecasted. Small -scaled arsenic removal devices applying adopting flocculation and adsorption technologies are in a prevailing position considering China’s national condition of imbalanced economic development. From a long-term perspective, ion exchange and membrane technologies have larger application prospects. Bio -technology will attract more attention and research thanks to its high performance and low cost from the view of environmental protection.