The purpose of the dam was to contain flash floods from the local streams and surface runoff, and to supply water to the city.

[12] The real risk of overflowing is increased when the reservoir partially fills with sand and mud due to the lack of dredging.

This situation has worsened due to the population increase in the neighboring communities,[7] including irregular settlements,[14] and with a construction company reported for illegal spilling.

[16] In previous years, people have committed suicide by jumping from the dam, until fences were installed to prevent access.

[7] In the 2002 the Ensenada city council declared the reservoir and surrounding area as an ecological reserve, and in 2007 it was determined to be a protected zone.

[21] Different fish species have been documented in the reservoir, including exotic species such as threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), western mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zillii).