Another major milestone has been reached on the Manton Dam Return to Service project, with 100,000 construction hours now completed.

This achievement marks a significant step in the $190 million project, which is supported by the Northern Territory Government and National Water Grid Authority as part of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program. The program is designed to ensure water security for the next 30 years.

Stephen Vlahovic, Power and Water Executive General Manager Water Services, highlighted the importance of the milestone and the project, which is supporting more than 130 local jobs.

'Returning Manton Dam to service is a key deliverable to secure safe and reliable drinking water for our customers over the long term, and the impressive progress on this significant project is testament to the dedication and passion of the project team and the contractor,’ he said.

Since upgrades began in May 2024 the contractor, Exact Contracting, has completed 12.9km of new pipeline. Other key achievements include:

• Refurbishing Manton Dam intake tower.
• Erecting a steel structure for the Strauss Water Treatment Plant, with concrete structures underway.
• Undertaking foundation works on Manton Dam Pump Station.

Exact Contracting Business Development and Technical Services Manager, Shaun Matschoss, praised the collaboration and dedication of all involved.

‘This is a complex project with many elements. It’s great to have a crew dedicated to this job, working through the Wet Season and supporting Power and Water to get Manton Dam back to operation and providing water in the Darwin region,’ he said.

Once returned to service, Manton Dam will provide an additional 7,300 megalitres of water annually. This increased capacity will meet forecasted demand, enhance water security and support future economic growth in the region.

Exact Contracting, an Australian company established in Alice Springs, remains committed to local employment.

‘We know employing locals and using local contractors where possible is important to the Territory economy,’ Mr Matschoss said.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Importantly, Manton Dam will remain open as a valued recreational resource, with stringent water treatment measures in place at the newly constructed Strauss Water Treatment Plant.

Image 1: The Strauss Water Treatment Plant site with backwash tank and clear water tank.

Image 2: Concrete pour on the backwash tank at the Strauss Water Treatment Plant site.

Image 3: Concrete pour at the Manton Dam Pump Station site.

Media contact: 0401 117 599 / media@powerwater.com.au