WaterNSW delivered the Chaffey Dam to Dungowan pipeline recently in just nine months and under budget, and is confident it can do the same for the new dam.

Construction of the dam itself should start in October 2021 given the relevant approvals and environmental impact statement, a WaterNSW spokesman said.

"We are taking a very innovative approach to early planning and concurrence of activity that will allow us to start these projects on time," he said.

The contract for the $480 million project was signed off by NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey in May.

WaterNSW has partnered with KBR and Aurecon to deliver the project as quickly as possible, and has already met with more than 100 landowners along the proposed pipeline route that will bring water from the new dam to Tamworth.

A WaterNSW spokesman said landowners had shared particular concerns about the route on the private property, so it would be working with them to allay those.

"Continued close engagement with landholders throughout the project is a key priority for the team," he said.

"WaterNSW will be engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including Aboriginal groups, local residents, our existing customers, community groups and environmental stakeholders."

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In an effort to support local businesses and contractors, expressions of interest have been opened to anyone who thinks they can pitch in on the dam build.

Already more than 100 submissions have been made on the project portal.

A web conference hosted by Tamworth Business Chamber and WaterNSW was attended by more than 30 businesses, the WaterNSW spokesman said.

"We are providing the details of local businesses to our project partners and major contractors in advance of the construction contracts to enable them to identify local providers as part of their tenders," he said.