The paper analyzed the usage and efficiency of different nanomaterials in detection of iron species in water. The content of iron ions in the majority of natural waters of Ukraine significantly exceeds the maximum permissible level for consumption due to geological conditions and contamination of water bodies with metals as a result of military operations. It is also a common problem when clean water after the drinking water treatment plant is significantly contaminated with iron during transportation through pipes. Fast and effective determination of total iron content is extremely relevant both in the field of water resources management, and in quality monitoring after water treatment. There are a lot of different methods, which can effectively detect iron content in water in situ, including, electrochemical, spectrophotometric, fluorometric, etc. But these methods are often expensive, not selective enough, or require lengthy sample preparation, which makes them inconvenient to use, especially in the field. In the paper various compositions and application of detection methods are observed.