The polymeric title complex, [Zn(NO3)2(C24H20N8)(H2O)2]n, features distorted ZnN2O4 octahedra with each ZnII atom being located on an inversion center. Adjacent Zn ions are doubly bridged by two equivalent 1,4-di-3-pyridyl-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene ligands to form linear chains