Manton Dam return to service construction complete
Construction crews have finished work on the Manton Dam Return to Service project, part of Stage 1 of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, marking one of the most significant water infrastructure developments in the Northern Territory in the past 50 years.
Delivered on time and under budget by local construction company Exact Contracting and managed by Power and Water Corporation, this project includes the modernisation of the existing reservoir intake tower, construction of the new Strauss Water Treatment Plant, a new pump station and 22 kilometres of pipeline to strengthen Darwin's water security by providing an additional 7,300 ML of water each year.
Funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, the investment and collaboration between both governments support the expected growth in demand within the Darwin region.
The construction also delivered significant local economic benefits, with more than 111 employees and 500 contractors engaged during the past 2 years, supporting local businesses and aligning with the Northern Territory Government’s Rebuilding the Economy Strategy.
The Manton Dam reservoir will continue to be a recreational resource for the community to enjoy, with Parks and Wildlife managing the reservoir under a new plan to provide optimal use of the recreational facilities, whilst also ensuring a safe operational drinking water supply.
Commissioning of the Strauss Water Treatment Plant is underway, with water from Manton Dam expected to enter the network that delivers to the Darwin region by the end of 2026.
This project is the biggest of its kind for the Northern Territory since Darwin River Dam was built in the early 1970s and is a critical addition to Darwin’s water supply.
Through the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, planning is already underway for the next stage of water infrastructure to support the Territory's long-term growth and economic development opportunities.
