The article addresses the efficiency assessment of using the integral indicators of water pollution in environmental monitoring of the mining enterprise influence zone. The calculation of two well-known water quality indices (Canadian Water Quality Index and a weighted water quality index) for three points on the river exposed to the impact of the contaminated copper mine’s waters, was carried out. It was concluded that these indices can be used for monitoring the spread of pollution from the mine waters discharge places. With account the specifics of the monitoring object and the problem being solved, directions for modifying the methods for calculating the indices were proposed for more clearly and unambiguously separating the monitoring points on the level of water pollution.