The reservoir provides a source of water for the Canal du Midi.

It was originally proposed in 1665 by the commission created by Louis XIV of France to evaluate Pierre-Paul Riquet's plan for the canal enterprise.

[1][2] The original reservoir in support of the canal was at Bassin de St. Ferréol.

This connection and an increase in barge traffic led to a requirement for more water.

The particles of lime thus suspended and were carried into the leaking areas and filled all the openings in the joints of masonry and even into the stone.