In the title compound, [Y(C(6)H(3)N(2)O(5))(3)(H(2)O)(3)], the Y atom is nine-coordinate with a slightly distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination geometry. The Y(III) ion is coordinated to three bidentate 2,6-dinitrophenolate ligands and three water molecules. The Y-O bond distances are in the range 2.217 (3)-2.754 (4) A, with the Y-O distances from the nitro groups being longer than those from the water molecules and the phenol groups. The coordinated NO(2) groups are almost coplanar with the benzene rings.