Manton Dam Return to Service

Manton Dam was built in the 1940s and was the Darwin region’s primary source of water until the Darwin River Dam was commissioned in 1972. Since the 1980s, Manton Dam has been open to the public for recreational use whilst being maintained as a potential future water supply source.

Stage 1 of the program, will return Manton Dam to service as an operational drinking water supply source for the Darwin region. The $190 million project includes:

• refurbishment of the existing intake tower
• a new pumping station and pipeline
• development of a new water treatment plant.

Manton Dam will continue to be a recreational resource for the Darwin community. The Northern Territory Government is working with Power and Water Corporation to develop a contemporary recreational management plan that recognises both the recreational and drinking water supply objectives for Manton Dam. Power and Water will implement additional treatment measures to ensure Manton Dam meets stringent drinking water quality standards.

Once operational, Manton Dam will supply an additional 7,300 megalitres of water per year into the Darwin region water network.

The project is expected to be delivered by 2025-26.

For more information, go to the Power and Water website.