Abstract: A simplified heart-cut column switching technology was used for the determination of bromate in drinking water at the low µg/L level. A simplified two-step procedure for finding the time window was established. By using sodium hydroxide as the eluent and a 150 µL sample loop, detection limits of 2.5 µg/L can be obtained for bromate even if 30 mg/L of chloride is present. Spike recoveries of tap waters collected from three different areas of China were in the range 94 similar to 103%. Principles and other applications of this technique are also discussed.