Our Drinking Water: The facts

Darwin River Dam – a pristine environment

The majority of Darwin’s drinking water comes from Darwin River Dam, which has one of the most pristine water supplies in the world.

To protect this drinking water supply, Power and Water Corporation has a closed catchment and reservoir policy for Darwin River Dam.

This means recreational access to the catchment area and the Dam is not allowed. While surveys show that Darwin River Dam is free from the aquatic weed Cabomba, public access to the picnic facilities at the Dam has been temporarily restricted as an added security measure.

If Cabomba established in the Darwin River Dam drinking water supply, the quality of water would decrease, becoming tainted with increased colour, taste and odours.

Cabomba could never be eradicated from Darwin River Dam, if it established there.

A treatment plant, estimated to cost around $40 million, would be required to provide the high quality, safe drinking water we currently enjoy.

Use of herbicides downstream in the Darwin River to eradicate Cabomba will not involve water in Darwin River Dam, and will not effect the safety of our drinking water.

Power and Water will work closely with those involved in eradicating the weed to ensure Darwin’s water supply is not compromised.

Regular surveillance of Darwin River Dam and the surrounding catchment area will continue to ensure potential hazards are understood and managed.

Given the importance of protecting our drinking water supply, significant penalties apply for anyone caught trespassing within the Darwin River Dam catchment area.

Darwin River Dam Levels

For information on Cabomba and the eradication program, call the
Hotline on 8999 8954 or visit www.cabomba.nt.gov.au