Heavy metal contamination of groundwater, surface water, and sediments has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of present time, carrying serious implications for public health, particularly in regions shaped by intensive industrial activities. This review centered on key industrial zones surrounding Dhaka city, where such contamination has been especially severe. Drawing on twenty peer-reviewed studies, it documented concentrations of five heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Fe) across the study areas and evaluated the extent of contamination through comparison with established standards, geospatial mapping, and health risk assessment. Surface water exhibited higher mean concentrations of most heavy metals compared to groundwater, with Ni, Cd, Pb and Fe recording means of 0.28, 0.86, 3.37 and 3.65 mg/l in surface water and 0.073, 0.008, 3.362 and 3.11 mg/l in groundwater respectively, while Cr was the sole exception, with groundwater (1.92 mg/l) exceeding surface water levels (1.01 mg/l). However, heavy metal concentrations, particularly Cr, Pb, and Fe concentrations in both groundwater and surface water exceeded both WHO and ECR standards for safe drinking water. Geospatial analysis displayed higher Cr and Pb levels in Hazaribag groundwater and Dhaleshwari surface water, with Cr averaging 7.6 mg/L and 2.97 mg/L, and Pb averaging 1.2 mg/L and 1.17 mg/L, respectively. Health risk assessments indicated substantial carcinogenic risks from elevated Cr and Pb levels, particularly affecting children, with the highest risks observed in the Hazaribagh and Narayanganj areas. This study underscores the urgent need for stringent pollution control measures and regular monitoring of water quality to mitigate health risks and recommends the implementation of effective water treatment solutions.