The reservoir was built to provide water for the Cromford Canal which opened for use in 1794.

The line of the Cromford Canal passes beneath the reservoir along the Butterley Tunnel.

When the canal tunnel was in use, water was provided to the canal directly from the reservoir via an adit which connects to the Butterley tunnel.

A variety of waterfowl can be seen on the reservoir, and fishing is allowed with a permit.

This Derbyshire location article is a stub.