It lies in the valley of the River Ryburn and is the higher of two reservoirs built to supply Wakefield with water and was completed in 1956.

[4][5] During spells of very hot weather and drought conditions, the old road bridge is revealed.

[8] The dam took eight years to complete at a cost of £1.4 million, and is located at 840 feet (256 m) above sea level.

[9][10] A tunnel connects reservoirs in valleys to the north with Baitings to allow for the transfer of water.

[11][12] In 1989, the body of a man was found at the bottom of the reservoir during a period of dry weather, when the water was 40 feet (12 m) shallower than normal.