Dam levels recede

DAM LEVELS UPDATE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

Water levels in the country’s dams remain on a declining trajectory. Winter cropping irrigation activities across the country; coupled with water draw downs by local authorities and other users also explain the dropping water levels. The rising temperatures have also triggered the demand for water from the dams and have also led to increased water losses through evaporation. As at September 7, 2020, the national dam level average had declined to 42, 2% which is 20% below the national dam level average expected during this period of the year. Gwayi Catchment had a dam level average of 38, 6%, Manyame Catchment 64, 4%, Mazowe Catchment 54, 3%, Mzingwane Catchment 37, 4%, Runde Catchment 36%, Save Catchment 47, 1% and Save 47, 1%.

 Water in most of the dams is however sufficient to take the local authorities and other water users to the next run-off season. Notwithstanding this, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) continues to appeal to all water users across the board to use the available water very sparingly and efficiently. All users of raw water, using water for purposes other than primary purposes, are advised to ensure that their water use is in terms of the relevant water abstraction agreements as required by the Water Act. Any use of water without the necessary documentation constitutes a breach of the law and uses are liable to prosecution.

Summary of major dams as at September 7, 2020

MRS MARJORIE MUNYONGA

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER