Open day at Darwin River Dam

16 Jul 2010

Work to construct a new spillway - 1.3 metres higher - started in May and the new structure is starting to take shape.

General Manager Water Services Steve McKenzie said the reservoir – Darwin’s main potable water source – would have an extra 20 per cent capacity for the next Wet Season.

“Raising the dam wall will help meet the increasing demand for water from a growing population in the Darwin and Palmerston area,” he said.

The public picnic area is closed during construction, so the open day is a chance to view the progress.

“You can have a look at the partly-raised new spillway and hear about the work that will take place over the rest of this Dry Season,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Our contractors are pouring some 6000 tonnes or 2700 cubic metres of concrete to form this new spillway and all that work is taking place overnight while the temperatures and conditions are right – it’s a huge project.”

Open Day
Saturday 17 July 2010 from 10am – 2pm
Sausage sizzle on site
Closed footwear essential for tours and sunhats recommended

Darwin River Dam – including the public picnic area and toilets – remains closed to the public outside these times until construction work is complete.