The influence of refraining water supply before harvest on soil water content and fruit quality of 'Ponkan' was investigated for 3 consecutive years. Irrigation was ceased for 56, 28, 14, 7, or 3 days prior to harvest. Early refraining water supply caused soil water tension to increase above 90 centi bar and the soil at drier condition. Irrigation regularly until 3 days before harvest resulted in higher soil water content and soil water tension at 60 centi bar. The starting time of refraining water supply did not significantly affect fruit coloration, weight per fruit, and fruit juice content. However, delayed refraining water supply resulted in increased fruit damage during grading, fruit puffing and fruit size. Early refraining water supply resulted in higher fruit soluble solids in 2 out of 3 years and higher titratable acidity in all 3 years of observations.