The dam and associated water works are in Cropston, while the bulk of the reservoir is in the neighbouring Newtown Linford parish.

It is part of the 987-acre (399.3 ha) Bradgate Park and Cropston Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest.

[3] A stone wall was built by George Rudkin around the boundary to separate the deer park from the reservoir, at a cost of 8s 10d per yard.

[3] The dam was originally constructed from a mixture of siliceous sand and clay, but as water was found to be leaking through it, it was rebuilt and now extends 40 feet (12 m) below the surface.

[4] The reservoir is formed by the River Lin and is owned and managed by Severn Trent.