Manton Dam Return to Service

The Manton Dam Return to Service project has officially reached commissioning stage. Completion of this project marks one of the most significant water infrastructure developments in the Northern Territory in the past 50 years.

Funding of $185 million was provided by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund as part of the broader $300 million investment in Stage 1 of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, including the Middle Arm Water Supply and Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage pre-construction.

Delivered on time and under budget, the Manton Dam return to service 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. Manton Dam will provide an additional 7,300 mL of water each year, strengthening water security for the Darwin region.

The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure reports that 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.

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.

The Department of Lands, Planning and Environment coordinates National Water Grid funding proposals and supports project delivery across Northern Territory Government agencies. To date, the department in partnership with the National Water Grid, has secured $530 million in funding for water security projects.

^{Interior Strauss Water Treatment Plant.}