According to the European Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EC a pilot project for the assessment of the radiological situation of drinking water was realized in Austria. About 350 drinking water samples were taken in Upper Austria and analyzed for several natural radionuclides by different measuring techniques. Techniques are tested and compared and an overview of the results is given. Additionally, parameters for drinking water assessment have been worked out to standardize monitoring programs and simplify experts' activities.