Discoloured water to reach Territory taps after Darwin River Dam stirs up

Territorians could have discoloured water from their kitchen and bathroom taps after monsoonal weather stirred up a Top End dam.

The Top End’s monsoonal weather may have offered a reprieve from the heat, but Territorians might now be noticing discoloured water coming from their taps.

The wild weather has stirred up the Darwin River Dam, which provides about 85 per cent of the Darwin region’s drinking water.

Power and Water said the water is still safe to drink and was being treated to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

“The change in colour is only aesthetic and is expected to clear up when the weather conditions settle,” a Power and Water spokeswoman said.

“It may be more noticeable in white baths and sinks and may have an impact on laundry, which can be treated with stain removers.”

The dam reached 99 per cent capacity on Wednesday.

Its water levels are now 45.84m, up from 45.77m on Tuesday.

Power and Water acting executive general manager of water services Eric Boyle said downstream river levels could rise quickly if the dam overflowed.

“We remind everyone to always stay away from flooded rivers, drains and waterways for your own safety,” he said.

The Darwin River Dam reached 98 per cent capacity on Tuesday afternoon and could overflow in the next few days. Picture: Supplied

The dam last overflowed in March 2022.

Its spillway is designed to control excess water flow downstream to minimise structural damage nearby.

The overflow warning comes after forecasters said ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie could cross back into the NT.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Sally Cutter said the “vigorous” monsoon flow impacting Darwin was gradually easing but wet weather was still expected for some time.

“We’re starting to see the monsoon ease with winds gradually backing off,” she said.

“There’s no longer damaging wind gusts but we’ll still likely see heavy monsoonal showers.”

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Originally published as Discoloured water to reach Territory taps after Darwin River Dam stirs up