Darwin River Dam nears 100 per cent: Water to start flowing over spillway

The return of the monsoon has been a big boost to Darwin’s main water source with Darwin River Dam on track to start flowing over the spillway in coming days .

Darwin River Dam spillway

The return of the monsoon has been a big boost to Darwin’s main water source with Darwin River Dam on track to start flowing over the spillway in coming days .

The dam level was recently sitting at around 80 per cent but it has risen steadily over the last week or so.

Power and Water says with more monsoon activity forecast for the days ahead, the dam looks set to reach 100 per cent capacity and start flowing over the dam wall.

Executive general manager water services, Mr Stephen Vlahovic, said while Darwin River Dam is not accessible to the public, river levels downstream may rise quickly when the dam overflows, causing sudden changes in levels at road crossings.

‘The overflow, which is guided downstream in a controlled way to prevent structural damage, could last for days or weeks, depending on how much rain falls,” he said.

“Please be careful and vigilant in that area.”

Litchfield Council, Northern Territory Police and Northern Territory Emergency Service will monitor the area for issues around flooding and safety.

Mr Vlahovic, said it was great to see the dam almost full.

“Spills often occur late in the wet season,’ he said. ‘But although it is expected, it’s timely to remind people to stay safe around flooded rivers, drains and waterways.”

The dam supplies around 85 per cent of the Darwin region’s water supply.

Anyone can check how full the dam is at

https://www.powerwater.com.au/about/what-we-do/water-supply/darwin-water-supply/darwin-river-dam or via the Power and Water app.

Originally published as Darwin River Dam nears 100 per cent: Water to start flowing over spillway