Map of Northern Territory
Storage improvements
Location
Darwin
NT
Estimated cost
$327,590,000
Project status
underway
Funding

The $327,590,000 project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($300,590,000) and the Northern Territory Government ($27,000,000). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.

Aerial view of Manton Dam with dam wall in foreground and green bushland surrounding the dam.

The project will see Manton return to service for the region. Image credit: Power and Water

Project overview

The project includes:

  • returning the Manton Dam to service
  • preconstruction works for the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage (AROWS) project.

Existing infrastructure at Manton Dam will be upgraded to return the dam to service. The project will also build the first phase of the Strauss Water Treatment Plan and distribution network.

The project will create an additional 14 gigalitres (GL) of usable water storage capacity. It will also make 7,300 ML per annum available for agricultural and industrial use.

Work on the AROWS project includes:

  • an environmental impact assessment
  • pre-tender concept design
  • delivery model assessment
  • re-confirmation of financial and economic outcomes.

Construction to return Manton Dam to service commenced in July 2024 and is expected to be completed in mid-2026. 

Key project benefits

Climate change resilience
Economic
Increased storage capacity
Water security

Learn more