The research on the contents of neonicotinoid residues in water and their direct and indirect effects on aquatic organisms are reviewed. The acute and chronic toxicity of neonicotinoids to aquatic vertebrates(fish and amphibians)and invertebrates(mayfly and Daphnia magna)is described, as well as the indirect effects on fish through the variations of biotic communities and food chains. It is concluded that the acute toxicity of neonicotinoids to aquatic vertebrates is significantly lower than the toxicity to invertebrates. Chronic toxicity and long-term effects on aquatic organisms exist at low concentrations of neonicotinoids. The indirect effects of neonicotinoids in risk assessment are discussed. It is pointed out that neonicotinoids significantly affect the community and population of non-target organisms through the accumulation and transfer functions of food chains.