Peter Moyo
Zimbabwe’s major dam water levels remain largely unchanged as the rainy season begins, with the national average sitting at 73.7 percent, according to the latest update from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
In a brief statement, the authority said: “Zimbabwe’s national dam levels sit at 73.7%, with only marginal movement so far. Early rains haven’t produced significant inflows yet, but we continue monitoring as the season progresses.”
The update, based on readings taken on 24 November 2025, shows that despite scattered early rains across the country, most dams have not yet recorded meaningful inflows. ZINWA continues to track hydrological activity daily in anticipation of more substantial rainfall in December.
The country’s largest dam, Tugwi-Mukosi, remains almost full at 95.2%, while other major dams such as Manyuchi, Masembura, Arcadia, and Lake Mutirikwi are all above 83%. Levels at Mtshabezi, Zhovhe, and Manyame are also healthy, ranging between 73% and 79%.
Several dams, however, are considerably lower. Manjirenji (58.3%), Chivero (52.4%), and Insiza (40.8%) show moderate levels, while Sebakwe, Seke, Upper Ncema, and Lower Ncema remain under 33 percent, reflecting the impacts of prolonged dry spells earlier in the year.
The most concerning figures appear in southern and central regions, where Mzingwane (23.1%), Harava (16.9%), Mazowe (10.1%), Inyankuni (7.8%), and Mwenje (3.7%) are still critically low.
Water experts note that early-season stagnation in dam levels is not unusual, as early rains are often too light or too scattered to generate significant runoff. Sustained rainfall in the coming weeks will determine whether the country builds adequate reserves for urban supply, irrigation, and ecosystem support.
Hydrologist, Tariro Mhandu said the slow response of dam levels to early rainfall is typical in Zimbabwe’s climate system.
“Early-season rains are usually light and highly evaporative, so they rarely generate the surface runoff needed to raise dam levels,” she explained. “Meaningful inflows only occur once the soils are saturated, usually after several weeks of consistent rainfall. For now, the stability at 73 percent suggests the system is holding, but the next month will be crucial for national water security.”
ZINWA has urged consumers, farmers, and local authorities to follow its regular advisories as the hydrological season unfolds, stressing that water security remains closely tied to rainfall performance over the next two months.
