The Zambezi River Authority has noted a slight but steady increase in Lake Kariba’s water levels.
In a report released on Monday, 9 June 2025, the lake’s level was recorded at 478.60 metres—an improvement over the 477.33 metres recorded on the same date in 2024.
This rise has enhanced the usable live storage volume—water available for electricity generation—from 8.21 billion cubic metres (BCM) last year to 14.02 BCM in 2025.
Currently, the usable live storage sits at 21.65%, up from 12.68% at the same time last year—a notable improvement.
However, Lake Kariba remains well below its Full Supply Level (FSL) of 488.50 metres, which marks the point at which the reservoir can hold up to 181 BCM of water.
As of 9 June, the lake is 3.1 metres above its Minimum Operating Level of 475.50 metres—the lowest level at which hydropower generation can be effectively maintained.
Lake Kariba is designed to function within a vertical range between 475.50 and 488.50 metres (with a 0.70m freeboard), giving it a 13-metre live storage zone for energy production.
Any water below this operating range is considered dead storage and cannot be used for generating power.
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