This study describes the distribution of five heavy metals in water of the Gomti River and the evaluation of human health risk for both adults and children. Metal contents were detected using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). Analysis of results revealed that the range of concentrations were arranged as descending order (mg/l) of Hg (0.118−0.125) > Pb (0.022−0.170) > Mn (0.002−0.098) > As (0.014−0.028) > Cd (0.004−0.007). As the level of metals exceeded some international standards, water from this river is not suitable for drinking. However, the selected metals were justified to recognize a non-carcinogenic risk of hazard quotient (HQ). The estimated hazard index (HI) was in the acceptable limit (HI < 1). Although the measured elements did not surpass the carcinogenic risk value (10−6 to 10-4), children were more susceptible than adults, possibly due to their high intake of water in proportion to per unit of body weight and physiological immaturity. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed the geogenic and anthropogenic activities were major sources of metal attribution in the river water.