Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) said on Monday the country was in a secure water position, with most of its major dams holding sufficient reserves to meet domestic and agricultural water needs, despite declining levels triggered by rising temperatures.
In a statement, ZINWA Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Mrs. Marjorie Munyonga, the authority reported that as of October 10, 2025, the national dam level average stood at 76.1 percent. Ms. Munyonga said this level is 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,” she said. ZINWA noted that dams supplying water to major cities, towns, growth points and rural service centres remain stable enough to meet domestic consumption needs.
However, the authority warned that dam levels are on a downward trajectory, largely due to the prevailing high temperatures and increased irrigation demands, coupled with the absence of significant inflows at this time of the year.
Despite the encouraging figures, ZINWA reminded the public that water is a finite resource requiring prudent management. The Authority urged all users — including farmers, businesses, and local authorities — to use water efficiently and sustainably.
Ms. Munyonga also appealed to those intending to draw water from national dams to formalize their usage by entering into water abstraction agreements with ZINWA. “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.
The Authority emphasized that unauthorized water use is a violation of the Water Act, disrupts proper water resource management, and deprives ZINWA of much-needed revenue for maintaining infrastructure and ensuring sustainable water supply.
ZINWA also announced that it is intensifying surveillance along river channels to detect and curb illegal water abstractions. The Authority called on members of 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,” she said.
New Ziana
