[7] The reservoir and gatehouse were designed by Thomas Telford and the latter is a two-storey listed building in corporate BCN octagonal style, with a later extension dating from 1880.

[13] It reopened briefly in 2019 to host Birmingham Opera Company's acclaimed production of Lady Macbeth of Mtsenk,[14] but was subsequently demolished in 2022 [15] with the site remaining vacant as of 2024.

[5] In addition to supplying water to the canals, the reservoir is used for leisure activities including angling, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing.

The site has also been chosen to house a new Birmingham Schools rowing initiative, with the three aforementioned clubs assisting in the running of the scheme.

The Reservoir perimeter provides a pleasant route for joggers, with a gravel and tarmac path throughout its 1.75 mile (2.8 km) circumference.

The reservoir usually has a gentle breeze across it due to the lack of large buildings or objects surrounding it, which makes it ideal for sailing.

During winter there can be strong, icy, northerly winds blowing over the city, which can freeze the reservoir over due to its exposed northern side (where the dam is situated).