A dampening water composition for lithographic printing plate comprises a hydrophilic polymer having a film-forming ability, a pH-buffering substance and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of benzimidazole and derivatives thereof. The dampening water composition can effectively suppress the corrosion of copper or copper alloy-plated rolls of a printing press as well as cast iron or nickel-plated cast iron parts thereof without impairing printing effects and printability.