Kanpur, one of the largest industrial cities located on the bank of the river Ganges, discharges large quantities of industrial effluents into it. Heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn) were monitored monthly from July 1986 to June 1989. Samples were collected at locations where the river entered Kanpur (up-stream, U/S) and left Kanpur (down-stream, D/S). Time series analysis was carried out using a moving average model to estimate the trend values free from auto-correlation. The two independent and identically distributed deseasonalized series for up-stream and down-stream were compared by the analysis of variance technique (ANOVA) to find out the space and time effect of different metal levels in the Ganges water. The measured and trend values were completely in accordance with the observed pattern. A significant temporary effect for iron and zinc was observed. Significant site-related effects were observed from chromium due to the presence of a large number of industrial establishments, particularly tanneries, electroplating and metal processing industries. A time-of-year-related effect on the levels of nickel, copper, zinc, and lead were observed. These differences may be attributed to drought and other natural events.