[2] It is rare as one of the few remaining examples in Queensland of an intact and functioning reservoir and treatment plant from this period in time.

[4] The earliest reservoir in Brisbane, which was located on the present Law Courts precinct at the intersection of George, Roma and Turbot Streets, suffered from accumulation of dead animals and vegetable matter.

[4] Thomas Oldham, an engineer who had worked on water supply to Melbourne, was employed to conduct a survey and solve Brisbane's problems.

One of Oldham's site recommendations on the Brisbane River near Dutton Park was dismissed because of its prohibitive costs.

After requesting revised plans and detailed cost estimates the Board of Waterworks was established to oversee the project.

[6] By the end of 1870 more than £71,000 had been spent and water supply for the rapidly growing city of Brisbane was not being met by strong demand.

The Mount Crosby Weir and pumping station alleviated some concerns but flooding of the Brisbane River was problematic.

The dam was managed by the Brisbane City Council until July 2008, until it was transferred to Seqwater in a region-wide redistribution of water assets.

In March 2014, Seqwater released a recreation guide that allowed for water activities including swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing with a licence.