Hydrophysical and hydrochemical surveys of the Kem’ river estuary were implemented on September 4-5, 2019. The vertical distribution of temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, and oxygen were studied, and chemical analysis of the water was carried out (pH, electrical conductivity, mineral composition, nutrient content, organic matter, total iron and manganese, pollutants and suspended solids). New data were obtained on the distribution of these parameters depending on the phases of the tide. Temperature, salinity, turbidity and chlorophyll-a are typical for this time of year. Water in the Kem’ River is low-TDS, mesohumic, mesotrophic. Nitrogen is mostly in organic form, while the concentration of its mineral forms is quite low, which is typical of surface waters in the humid zone. Organic matter is mainly represented by natural allochthonous matter (77-80%) incoming from the catchment. Among the pollutants, the content of oil products and some heavy metals was determined. The MPC for lead was slightly exceeded in the river around the railway bridge. The MPC for total iron and manganese was exceeded in water bodies of significance for fisheries. The content of these elements in the Kem’ River water was 0.55 mg/l (MPC=0.1 mg/l) and 0.32 mg/l (MPC=0.01 mg/l), respectively, which is a geochemical feature of the region’s waters rather than an indicator of pollution. These results are consistent with previously published data.