Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program
Water is one of our most precious resources.
As the Territory grows, having enough water for the future is critical - for people, agriculture, industry and the environment.
The Northern Territory (NT) Government is committed to delivering secure, reliable and cost-effective drinking water for Territorians, now and into the future.
The NT Government has an ambitious target to achieve a $40 billion economy by 2030. The 2020 Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission final report identified a step change in the Territory’s approach to water is needed to support the Territory’s plans for increased private investment and economic growth of the region. Securing additional water supply to the Darwin region will ensure Territorians have continuous access to safe drinking water and enable economic development of the Territory.
In the Darwin region, 85% of our water supply comes from the Darwin River Dam, which is currently operating at capacity. The remaining 15% is provided through groundwater resources.
The total demand for water in the Darwin region is expected to more than double by 2050 to 100 gigalitres per year.
New water supply infrastructure is needed to help our population grow in the Territory and to meet our goal of becoming a $40 billion economy by 2030.
The business case
In 2021, the NT Government and Power and Water Corporation engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to develop a detailed business case to look at a range of options to increase water supply in the Darwin region. This comprehensive assessment identified the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program as the best solution to meet the short and long term water needs of the Territory.
The program will be delivered in 2 stages:
- Stage 1: Manton Dam Return to Service (RTS)
Returning Manton Dam to service as an additional water source to boost our short term water supply within the next 3 to 4 years. Stage one also includes pre-construction activities and the planning and approvals phase for the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) Project, and delivering stage one of the Strauss Water Treatment Plant. Find out more on the Power and Water website. - Stage 2: Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project
Construction and commissioning of AROWS to secure a long term water supply within the next 7 to 10 years. Stage 2 also involves delivering stage 2 of the Strauss Water Treatment Plant.
Read the detailed business case:
Part A
Part B
The NT Government is also working in partnership with the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Authority, who have committed over $300 million to support the delivery of the first stage of the program.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news regarding the program.
