Water levels in Zimbabwe dams still high

Published: 2 hours ago

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has assured the nation that the country remains in a secure water position, with most major dams holding sufficient reserves to sustain both domestic and agricultural needs, despite a gradual decline in water levels caused by soaring temperatures.

In a statement released on Monday, ZINWA Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Mrs. Marjorie Munyonga, said as of October 10, 2025, the national dam level average stood at 76.1 percent - a figure considered adequate to support urban and rural water supply systems as well as early summer irrigation activities.

"The country remains in a very strong water security position as most dams still have sufficient water stocks to meet the current and early summer irrigation requirements," Mrs. Munyonga said.

She added that dams supplying water to major cities, towns, growth points, and rural service centres remain stable enough to meet domestic consumption needs.

However, ZINWA cautioned that dam levels are gradually falling due to high temperatures, increased irrigation demand, and the absence of significant inflows during the current dry period.

Despite this, the Authority emphasized that Zimbabwe's overall water reserves remain secure - provided that users practice responsible and efficient water management.

"Water is a finite resource that requires prudent management," Mrs. Munyonga stressed, urging farmers, local authorities, industries, and communities to use water efficiently and sustainably.

ZINWA also reminded individuals and institutions intending to draw water from national dams to formalize their usage by entering into water abstraction agreements with the Authority.

"Users are advised to come forward and sign water abstraction agreements with ZINWA so that their water allocations can be reserved in the dams," she said, noting that unauthorized abstraction violates the Water Act and undermines proper water resource management.

To safeguard water supplies and ensure compliance, ZINWA announced that it has intensified surveillance along river channels to detect and curb illegal water abstractions. The Authority encouraged the public to report any suspected cases of unlawful water use.

"Collective responsibility and compliance are key to ensuring that Zimbabwe continues to enjoy reliable access to water throughout the dry season. Sustainable water use today guarantees water security for tomorrow," Mrs. Munyonga said.

ZINWA continues to monitor dam levels nationwide and reiterated its commitment to maintaining sustainable water security across all sectors as the country heads toward the onset of the rainy season.
- NewZiana

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