Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is used in qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace amounts of heavy metals zinc in water, with 1064 nm NdYAG laser as the excitation light source and high resolution, wide spectral range echelle spectrometer and intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) as the line separating and detecting devices. The characteristic line at 481.1 nm is chosen as the analysis line to measure the characteristic line intensities of different zinc concentrations. A solid state graphite round flat is used as matrix for element enrichment to reduce water splashing, extend the plasma lifetime and improve the detection sensitivity. The experimental sample is prepared by titrating a fixed volume of zinc chloride solution of different concentrations on a fixed area of the graphite matrix. The results show that the optimal detection delay time is about 1100 ns. The spectrum intensity rises with the concentration increasing, and a good linear relationship is found at low concentration region. The lower limit of detection of zinc in water of 4.108 mg/L is obtained. A measurement method for further study of trace heavy metals in water is provided with laser induced breakdown spectroscopy technique.