The reservoir was built along the course of Dellwood Brook[2] as part of South Saskatchewan River Project.

That project, originating at Gardiner Dam of Lake Diefenbaker, involved the building of aqueducts and a series of reservoirs to supply water for irrigation, consumption, and industry.

The reservoir is about 22 kilometres (14 mi) north-east of the town of Watrous and access is from Highway 668.

Dellwood Brook flows out at from a spillway at the east end of the dam and carries on in a south-easterly direction where it meets up with Lanigan Creek.

[9] The dam and reservoir are owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency.