The Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage (AROWS) project is continuing to take shape with an Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey taking place to help streamline infrastructure design investigations for AROWS.
AROWS is a sustainable approach to water security. Unlike traditional dams that block river flow, AROWS stores water away from the river in an off-stream storage by utilising a naturally occurring basin made up of a ridge formation north of Lake Bennett.
The AEM survey is a non-invasive form of survey that will be conducted by a helicopter carrying a sensor minimum of 30 metres above the ground to measure the natural variations in the electrical properties of the soil, rocks and water.
The information collected in the AEM survey will help streamline future ground investigations, increase certainty of geological and geotechnical models, reduce design and construction risks and provide a thorough understanding of the land within and surrounding the AROWS site.
AEM data will be collected by transmitting an electromagnetic signal over the AROWS site and surrounding areas from a sensor attached to a helicopter.
AROWS is part of the Darwin Region Water Supply Program, which also includes Manton Dam Return to Service; Stage 1 of the Program has attracted over $300 million in investment from the Australian Government.
AROWS will secure Greater Darwin's drinking water supply over the long term, and will be a critical enabler for agricultural and industrial growth. Construction of AROWS (Stage 2 of the Darwin Regional Water Supply Program) will provide long term water supply for the proposed Lambells Lagoon Agribusiness Precinct and the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.
Quote attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"It is vital we secure sustainable solutions that protect our environment and maintain our great Territory lifestyle.
"This new surveying will feed into the infrastructure design work which has just kicked off, creating even more working opportunities for Territorians."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water Security Kate Worden:
"Water is a very important resource for the Territory as we work to build our economy to $40 billion by 2030.
"The AROWS project will secure our drinking water supply over the long term and help develop our agribusiness industries and drive industrial growth.
Northern Territory Government
