The depression bounded by ridgelines will be flooded with water from the Adelaide River during the wet season, and used to augment Darwin’s water supply. Photo: NT Govt.
The Northern Territory Government has announced it has awarded a concept design contract for Stage 2 of the Strauss Water Treatment Plant to Jacobs.
The Strauss Water Treatment Plant is a key element of the planned Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project, which will see a naturally occurring basin next to the Adelaide River used to store about 250 gigalitres of water for Darwin’s growing population.
Stage 1 of the plant is already under construction as part of the Manton Dam Return to Service project, which will involve the former Manton Dam being reactivated for water storage and returned to an operational drinking water supply source, providing up to 7300 megalitres a year for Darwin.
The Menton Dam was built on a tributary of the Adelaide River in 1942 and was superseded by the larger Darwin River Dam in 1972. But with Darwin’s growth, the Darwin River Dam’s capacity now needs to be augmented, so the Menton Dam will be upgraded and recommissioned.
The Territory Government says the AROWS project will secure Greater Darwin’s water supply for the next 50 years, and will be a critical enabler for agricultural and industrial growth. It says AROWS will provide a long-term water supply for the Lambells Lagoon Agribusiness and Middle Arm Sustainable Development precincts.
The AROWS site lies north of Lake Bennett and east of Menton Dam, and will take advantage of a naturally occurring basin inside a ridge formation that can hold water next to the Adelaide River.
Two containment barriers are planned to be constructed at low points of the basin so that water can be stored, and the Adelaide River will supply AROWS with water via a controlled pump system during the Territory’s wet season. Water will then be stored in the AROWS basin, and can be pumped via a new pipeline to the proposed Strauss Water Treatment Plant for distribution.
The Stage 2 concept design and cost estimate are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The projects are all part of the broader Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, which has been designed to ensure the region’s water future.
The Territory’s Power and Water executive general manager water services, Stephen Vlahovic, said the awarding of the concept design contract was an important milestone.
“This is a significant step towards delivering innovative water treatment solutions and water security for the Northern Territory,” Mr Vlahovic said.
“Power and Water will continue to collaborate with the Northern Territory and Australian governments to secure a safe and reliable water supply, which will support our community and underpin population and economic growth in our region while safeguarding resources for future generations.
“It is critical the successful applicant has a firm understanding of the Northern Territory and our environment, to support the best possible outcome for Territorians.
“The contract will support local jobs and engage the right people.”
Jacobs senior vice president and general manager Australia/New Zealand, Camille McGregor, said the company had considerable Territory experience.
“Jacobs is thrilled to partner with Power and Water Corporation to develop a concept design for this vital project for the Northern Territory,” she said.
‘’We’re proud of our long history in the Territory and our local team in Darwin look forward to playing our part in securing a safe and reliable water supply into the future.’’
Stage 1 of the Strauss Water Treatment Plant was jointly funded with more than $300 million from the Northern Territory and Federal governments through the National Water Grid Authority, and the construction of Stage 2 is subject to a future joint-investment decision.
