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This study was carried out with an emphasis on the effects of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on the quality of River Awemuwater between June 2015 and September 2015. Temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity, total hardness, total suspended solids, total dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, major nutrients (NO3, PO4) and heavy metals (Pb, Mg & K) were determined in 32 water samples collected from upper stream and lower stream locations along the river using standard laboratory procedures of APHA (1998). Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results showed significant variations in most of the chemical variables amongst the sampled points. Comparison of the variables in both the river and POME samples with the standard limit of WHO and NSDWQ for water and effluent showed great variations in pH, turbidity, temperature, alkalinity, TDS, TSS, TS, Metals & Nutrients. This shows that the river is polluted and not suitable for human use. The need for quality and environmental conservation through sustainable development of rivers in Ekiti State and Nigeria is highlighted.