[Objective] The factors affecting water utilization in Jiangxi Province were analysed to provide theoretical evidence for sustainable utilization of water. [Methods] Based on the definition of water utilization, water utilization, social and economic development, and ecological environment were selected as latent variables. In addition, a structural equation model (SEM) was established to quantitatively analyse the factors affecting water utilization in Jiangxi Province. [Results] SEM could reflect the basic situation of water utilization in Jiangxi Province. Furthermore, in the model (SEM), economic development, social development and ecological environment all affected water utilization to varying degrees, and economic development (0.847) > social development (0.500) > ecological environment (0.177). Besides, the utilization of water was mainly reflected by the utilization rate of water development (0.891) and water resources per capita (0.803). [Conclusion] Since the utilization of water resources in Jiangxi Province was affected by many factors, the government should comprehensively consider the different conditions of water utilization in economically developed and under-developed areas. Moreover, the government ought to establish a good water-saving system, promote water-saving measures vigorously, increase the utilization rate of water gradually, and realize the sustainable utilization of water finally.