The composition and origin of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) in some lakes of west Jiangsu was investigated using UV-Vis absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy. The specific ultraviolet absorption (SUVA) at 254 nm and 280 nm indicated that the aromaticity and molecular weight of DOM ranked in the order of Lake Shaobo, Lake Tiangang, Lake Baima, Lake Shijiu, Lake Hongze, Lake Gucheng, Lake Luoma, Lake Gaoyou and Lake Baoying. The E₂/E₃ and E₃/E₄ values suggested that the DOM of Lake Shaobo and Lake Baima was structural complex with humic acid being the primary component, while other lakes' DOM was less complex and constituted mostly by fulvic acid. The exponential slope parameter (S_275-295nm) values results were consistent with the conclusion obtained from SUVA, E₂/E₃ and E₃/E₄. Fluorescence indexes and biological index of these lakes' DOM were ranged of 1.13-1.30, 0.47-0.67, respectively, suggesting DOM a strong terrestrial origin. Significant correlation was found between the fluorescence intensities per unit organic carbon at different peaks, which indicated that the humic-like and protein-like materials in these lakes have a similar source. Considered the characterization of these lakes and the economic development, it can be deduced that most of these DOM are produced by agriculture and its downstream industries and imported with inflow rivers.