- Lake Kariba water levels have risen to 15.15% due to sustained inflows from the Zambezi River
- This is an improvement from 13.95% on April 29 and 13.31% on the same date last year.
- The lake operates optimally between 475.50m and 488.50m but is still below the Flood Control Rule Curve
Harare-Lake Kariba is witnessing a steady rise in water levels fuelled by sustained inflows from the Zambezi River, according to the latest hydrological bulletin.
This upward trend, though modest has sparked cautious optimism for improved water security and energy production in a region heavily reliant on the reservoir’s bounty.
On 5 May 2025 the Lake’s water levels stood at 477.68 meters, translating to 15.15% of usable storage.
This marks a notable improvement from the 13.95% recorded just a week earlier on 29 April (477.51 meters) and surpasses last year’s level of 13.31% (477.42 meters) on the same date.
Designed to operate between 475.50m and 488.50m, Lake Kariba remains well below its Flood Control Rule Curve, a benchmark for optimal reservoir management.
However, the current trajectory suggests a strengthening hydrological outlook, particularly for the Kariba South Power Station, which powers much of Zimbabwe’s grid.
The rise in Lake Kariba’s levels is underpinned by robust inflows from key upstream stations along the Zambezi River.
While the 2024/25 hydrological season started sluggishly, recent weeks have seen a marked improvement in river flows, bolstered by rainfall in the Zambezi catchment area.
These inflows are critical not only for replenishing the reservoir but also for sustaining downstream ecosystems and livelihoods.
“The sustained inflows are a welcome development,” said Tendai Marufu, a hydrologist with the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
“While we’re not out of the woods yet, the data points to a positive shift that could ease pressure on hydropower generation and water allocation for irrigation.”
For Zimbabwe and Zambia, Lake Kariba is more than a reservoir it’s a cornerstone of economic stability.
The lake’s hydropower stations supply a significant portion of both countrys’ electricity, and low water levels in recent years have strained power output, leading to load-shedding and economic disruptions.
The current uptick in storage levels offers a glimmer of hope for alleviating these challenges.
At 15.15% usable storage, the reservoir is still operating at a fraction of its capacity, but the steady climb could translate into increased generation capacity at Kariba South and its Zambian counterpart, Kariba North.
Beyond energy, rising water levels promises well for irrigation and fisheries, which support thousands of livelihoods along the lake’s shores. Local communities, heavily dependent on the lake for fishing and agriculture, have faced uncertainty in recent years due to fluctuating water levels. The current trend could provide some relief, though long-term water management strategies remain essential.
Lake Kariba’s levels are still far from ideal, and the region remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability, including erratic rainfall patterns.
The ZRA continues to implement prudent water management protocols to balance hydropower needs with ecological and social demands.
“Sustained inflows and careful management will be key to ensuring the reservoir meets the region’s needs through the dry season,’’ Marufu said.
Looking ahead, the incremental rise in water levels offers a cautiously optimistic signal for Zimbabwe and Zambia, two nations tethered to the reservoir’s fortunes. With strategic management and favourable weather conditions, Lake Kariba could yet reclaim its role as a regional powerhouse both literally and figuratively.
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