Power and Water’s new Darwin River Dam pump station is now more than 50% complete, with the multi-million-dollar project set to be finished next year.

The new pump station will enhance the reliability and security of water supply to the greater Darwin region, safeguarding sustainability for future generations.

Stephen Vlahovic, Power and Water Executive General Manager Water Services, emphasised the importance of the project, which has supported 50 local jobs.

‘This is a significant milestone for the project that is designed to support our customers with safe and reliable drinking water supply, now and into the future,’ he said.

The new pump station will be hydraulically and economically more efficient during seasonal changes and allow the existing pump station to be taken offline for major mechanical refurbishment works.

This will further enhance the Darwin region’s long-term water security.

‘By providing the opportunity for existing equipment to be serviced, this project strengthens our water security capacity in emergency situations,’ Mr Vlahovic said.

Darwin River Dam, located 70km south of Darwin, supplies 85% of the Darwin region’s water needs. The pump station project integrates with broader water security initiatives, including the proposed Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project, and the Manton Dam Return to Service project, which jointly are designed to meet increasing demands from a growing population and economy.

AROWS will take advantage of a naturally occurring basin next to Adelaide River to store around 250 gigalitres of water. Manton Dam is being returned to a drinking water supply source, which will provide an additional 7,300 megalitres a year when completed in 2026.

‘Water security involves the development of contingency plans for water supply. Having this new facility will provide an alternative pumping source to existing infrastructure at Darwin River Dam,’ Mr Vlahovic said.

The $25.24 million contract to design and construct the modern and efficient pump station was awarded to McMahon Services Pty Ltd in 2022.

Once completed, the project will provide the capacity to reliably pump, supply and distribute water to more than 140,000 people in the greater Darwin region.

‘We continue to deliver projects that support the upward growth trajectory of our economy and our growing population,’ said Mr Vlahovic.

Power and Water remains committed to delivering safe and secure water supply solutions, ensuring long-term sustainability for the Northern Territory.

Ends.